Advancing Community Health Through Outreach Program

Saarah Elberhoumi, Pharm.D. Candidate of 2025

Saarah Elberhoumi

Pharmacy interns can play a pivotal role in community outreach programs, significantly contributing to the enhancement of healthcare accessibility for underprivileged patients. Through hands-on experiences, interns acquire invaluable skills and directly influence public health outcomes. For instance, during a blood pressure screening event, LIU Pharmacy students provided free blood pressure readings. We also provided education on hypertension management at Ridge EZ Pharmacy. Some attendees were diagnosed with previously undetected high blood pressure or had poor medication adherence, underscoring the significance of such initiatives in early disease detection. In another outreach endeavor, we provided patient education on shingles and RSV, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations to mitigate associated risks. Furthermore, in collaboration with Lambda Kappa Sigma, we conducted interactive sessions with elementary school students to educate them on medication safety. These sessions empowered students to differentiate between medications and candy, promoting responsible medication usage. These instances exemplify how pharmacy interns contribute to community health through the provision of essential services, education, and advocacy. Our active participation can lead to positive transformations, improved patient outcomes, and strengthened ties to the communities.