LECOM Pharmacy Students Win National Award for Community Outreach

Wednesday, 21 August 2024

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Pharmacy scholars recently were named the Under-Represented Community Outreach Award Winner by the National Consumers League (NCL) for their efforts in the Annual Script Your Future Medication Adherence Team Challenge.

The Challenge is an eight-week intercollegiate competition conducted among health-profession student teams and faculty to combat poor medication adherence in the United States. Nearly three-out-of-four patients do not take their medication as directed.

Throughout 60 service events, LECOM students counseled and engaged more than 1,300 individuals. Collaborating with local officials and community organizations, LECOM specifically targeted community members affected by poverty and disability. By partnering with Country Fair Convenience Stores, Erie City Mission, and with various local community centers and schools, LECOM successfully organized regular health fairs and educational sessions that reached individuals who might not otherwise receive adequate care.

NCL praised the students' efforts to focus upon underrepresented community members, those who often face difficulties accessing necessary healthcare.

The LECOM Campaign was selected for the estimable recognition from among 16 participating educational institutions nationwide.

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