Student Pharmacists Celebrate American Pharmacists Month

PRESS RELEASE

Student pharmacists from Midwestern University's chapter of the American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) have been hard at work preparing advocacy events for October's American Pharmacists Month. Recently, the APhA-ASP Chapter was at the Downers Grove Village Hall to kick off their advocacy initiatives.

Downers Grove Mayor Martin T. Tully delivered a proclamation declaring October as American Pharmacists Month at the Village Council meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2014. Kelsea Caruso, APhA-ASP Chapter President, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization and Midwestern University. "The purpose of this proclamation is to help us recognize that pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professional in the community. From questions about your medication to administering your flu shots, your local pharmacist can address concerns you might never think to voice," said Ms. Caruso, a third-year pharmacy student, in acceptance of the proclamation.

In her address to the Village Council, Ms. Caruso also invited the community to Midwestern University's upcoming interdisciplinary Health Fair on October 4th, held in collaboration with the Downers Grove Park District. After Ms. Caruso concluded her remarks, Mayor Tully added, "By far, I prefer to have my flu shot at the Midwestern University Community Health Fair; it is painless and professionally done." In addition to participating in the Health Fair, the APhA-ASP chapter at Midwestern University intends to advocate for the pharmacy profession in Chicago on October 18

In addition to participating in the Health Fair, the APhA-ASP chapter at Midwestern University intends to advocate for the pharmacy profession in Chicago on October 18th by walking with their "Know your medicine-Know your pharmacist" banner throughout high-volume areas, such as Millennium Park and outside news stations during their broadcast times. Their hope is to bring awareness of the many benefits pharmacists can offer to the public. The October 4th Health Fair will be held at the Downers Grove Park District, 4500 Belmont Road from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The APhA-ASP Chapter will be doing blood glucose screenings, blood pressure screenings, administering free flu shots, and educating the public about various health issues.