Scrivens Receives ASHP-ABHP Leadership Award

John J. Scrivens, Jr., R.Ph., Ph.D., FASHP, a highly respected academic, clinician, and an advocate for a more diverse and culturally competent healthcare workforce, is the recipient of the 2014 ASHP and Association of Black Health-System Pharmacists (ABHP) Leadership Award. The award was presented today during the annual ABHP luncheon at ASHP’s 49th Midyear Clinical Meeting in Anaheim, CA.

Dr. Scrivens’ research focuses on community based training in rural areas and prostate cancer research in African American men. He retired in January as associate professor and director of the Tampa Bay Center Pharmacy Practice Division of the Florida A&M University (FAMU), College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, a position he held since 1995.

Dr. Scrivens was the contract manager of the Community Health Centers of Pinellas Pharmacy Services in St. Petersburg, FL , from 2004-2013. The program provides affordable, quality primary health care services to families and individuals who would not otherwise have access to medical care. From 2002-2013, he was the principal investigator for the Hillsborough Community College to FAMU Bridges to the Pharmaceutical Sciences, a National Institutes of Health (NIH) sponsored program that works to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who enter career tracks in the pharmaceutical sciences and successfully complete a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

He is the founder of ABHP, a professional organization that represents black and minority health-system pharmacists. He served the organization in a variety of roles, including president (1976-1988), executive director (1988-1990), and education administrator (1995-2005). Dr. Scrivens was also a co-founder of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) in 1972. SNPhA is an educational service organization that works to increase minority representation in pharmacy and other health-related professions.

“Dr. Scrivens has worked tirelessly on behalf of patients in underserved communities,” said ASHP President Christene M. Jolowsky, R.Ph., MBA, FASHP. “We appreciate his work to transform our profession and ensure that pharmacy serves the needs of all communities.”

An active member of ASHP, Dr. Scrivens served on the ASHP Council of Legal and Public Affairs from 1988-1990 and was awarded Fellow status in 2007. He is also a member of the National Pharmaceutical Association, the National Florida A&M University Pharmacy Alumni Council, and the Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

The ASHP/ABHP Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare.

About ASHP

ASHP represents pharmacists who serve as patient care providers in acute and ambulatory settings. The organization’s more than 40,000 members include pharmacists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. For over 70 years, ASHP has been on the forefront of efforts to improve medication use and enhance patient safety. For more information about the wide array of ASHP activities and the many ways in which pharmacists advance healthcare, visit ASHP’s website, www.ashp.org, or its consumer website, www.safemedication.com.

About ABHP

ABHP strives to represent Black and minority health-system pharmacists and is dedicated to the growth and development of their pharmacy practice in health care facilities. The association provides up-to-date educational programs on minority health issues to help members improve their professional skills and the quality of care that they provide in their area of pharmacy practice. ABHP serves as a liaison and facilitates communication with other pharmacy associations and organizations concerned with health care. - See more at: http://www.ashp.org/menu/AboutUs/ForPress/PressReleases/PressRelease.aspx?id=835#sthash.qvcdR8cu.dpuf