Health Fair

On February 27th, Drake University in collaboration with Southridge Mall participated in a student-organized health fair. Twelve pharmacy organizations and 101 pharmacy students participated in the event. Each organization was responsible for at least one screening or information table by assuring there were not only supplies but people to man their booth as well. Screenings were held together in an empty store located within the mall while information tables were set-up throughout the mall. There was a total of over 400 screenings performed during the event. Below is the number of people screened for each event:
-Cholesterol: 95
-Blood Pressure: >80
-Bone density: 121
-Blood sugar: 104
-Monofilaments testing: 2
-Heart Burn Screenings: 37

This is the first year that an event like this has taken place and, in my opinion, it was a very successful endeavor. Not only were people screened and educated on their health, but it also demonstrated how well the whole college of pharmacy and health sciences was able to come together to put this together. It required input from all organizations, and without this teamwork it would not have taken place.

It is encouraging to see how well the students can come together to put on an event, since we are the future of the profession. I often hear how important it is to be a leader and have adequate leadership skills, but just as important is the ability to work together as part of a team. Pharmacy is not a solo profession and you will always have to work with others. When you see students work together to put on an event such as this one, you know that the future of the profession is a bright one.

I hope I am not alone in saying this, but hopefully this health fair was not just a one time deal and will happen in future years.

Jasmine Cessna
PharmD Candidate 2011
jasmine.cessna@drake.edu