Caring for the community

News Photo

Students from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) continued to
strengthen the connection between Drake and the community at the third annual
Drake University Health and Wellness Fair on February 11. The fair took over
Southridge Mall in Des Moines to offer free health information and screenings
for community members.

“The College is committed to developing pharmacists who are dedicated to
serving their clients, patients, profession and community,” says Raylene
Rospond, dean of the college. “The health fair is a wonderful example of the
service that can help members of our community live happier and healthier
lives.”

CPHS students offered free health screenings, including blood pressure,
blood glucose, cholesterol and bone density tests. Grip strength tests and
flexibility screenings were also available. A total of 87 students administered
352 screenings to 71 patients.

But patients weren’t the only ones reaping rewards from the event.

“Students are learning how to properly conduct preventative health
screenings, counsel on the results of those screenings and send patients in the
right direction to improve their well-being,” says Brian Wall, a pharmacy
student and member of the fair organizing committee. “Having direct patient
contact with members of the community reinforces what is learned in the
classroom and improves the skills needed to interact with their future
patients.”

The 2012 fair included an exhibition area for student organizations to
display poster presentations and provide information. Topics at the booths
covered proper drug disposal, over-the-counter medication safety, acetaminophen
safety, immunizations and poison prevention. The area also featured a local
chiropractic clinic offering free spinal scans.

Participants and passersby were also treated to a surprise: The Psi chapter
of Phi Delta Chi at CPHS staged a flash mob. The dance — performed to the tune
of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” with revised lyrics — aimed to promote
awareness about the possibly dangerous combination of over-the-counter
medications. Click hereto watch a video of the performance.

“In the end, patients gained critical
information on their health and well-being and have hopefully become more
active in improving their own health,” says Wall.