Living an Educational Mission to Meet the Needs of Community and Public Health: Community Engagement in Pharmacy Education

Abstract

Universities and their respective communities have been connected for hundreds of years (Boyer, 1990). Noted in literature is the responsibility of the academy to engage with the community at large in order to enhance the human condition (Boyer, 1996). In an effort to improve health education, expand the diversity of the workforce, improve access to health care and reduce health disparities, health professional schools have been encouraged to engage more deeply with the surrounding community (Commission on Community-Engaged Scholarship in the Health Professions, 2005; Jacelon, Donoghue, & Breslin, 2010). In recent years, the profession of pharmacy has been taking steps to expand its role in community health and health care teams by conducting health fairs and providing educational events within the community (Palombi, Bastianelli, & Stratton, 2014; Palombi, Nelson, Fierke, & Bastianelli, 2015). Health fairs provide community members with screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, glycosylated A1c, immunizations, bone density, heartburn awareness, fall risk assessment, and medication reviews and provide an opportunity to refer individuals to primary care services (Palombi et al., 2014). Educational events are tailored to specific age-groups and community needs, addressing the needs of children, adolescents, adults, and elderly; they focus on topics that include mental health, asthma, substance abuse prevention and treatment, healthy eating and nutrition, and homelessness. Community outreach events also serve as a valuable opportunity for student pharmacists to practice their clinical skills and communication and health education techniques in a real-world setting (Palombi et al., 2015). The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy (COP) conducts various health fair screening events 667750P HPXXX10.

Research on the Promotion of College Community Elderly Care Service Based on Community Economy

“…Community-based elderly care is an effective way to provide elderly care services in college communities [6]. The community-based elderly care model emphasizes the participation and collaboration of local residents and businesses in providing elderly care services.…”

Facilitating Community Engagement in Academic Pharmacy Careers

“…This idea, which came from my community in Carlton County, has become one of my major areas of research and scholarship. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] I am now working with other individuals across the state to organize their own Forums in an effort to mobilize rural counties and tribal nations against substance abuse and formulate "best practices" for addressing heroin and opioid abuse. Because of my previous work, I've been fortunate to have been invited to serve on various public health and substance abuse prevention advisory boards in my community and state.…”