The Wayne State University (WSU) Chapter of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) earned a 2009 Campus Life Leadership Award as the Outstanding Student Organization.

The WSU Chapter at the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences was cited for its health screenings, immunizations, smoking cessation, and education on Hepatitis C and heartburn prevention.

"Through these outreach programs, ASP has directly benefited the University community and distinguished itself from other campus organizations," said Lynette Moser, assistant professor-clinical in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, who nominated the student organization for the award.

Through Project Immunization, the Chapter was responsible for more than 1,100 faculty and 400 students being immunized with the flu vaccine. The smoking cessation program and Hepatitis C education were provided for WSU students and designed to improve wellness in the University population.

The ASP sponsored diabetes health screenings at a local church and an area soup kitchen. Both events included blood glucose screenings and information on diabetes to approximately 175 people. During National Heartburn Awareness month, student pharmacists again went to a Detroit soup kitchen to answer questions and provide tips on avoiding heartburn.

"To achieve success through its community outreach programs, the organization provided extensive training," said faculty advisor Carol Bugdalski-Stutrud, director of Community Experiential Education and senior lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. The training complemented pharmacy curriculum, emphasizing disease state understanding, patient assessment, patient education and development of educational materials.

As an example of the professionalism, leadership and commitment of ASP members, Bugdalski-Stutrud pointed out that immunization training was a 13-hour workshop with significant pre-workshop preparation of 10 hours. This program provides a lifetime certification for the participant.

"All our students do an exceptional job in community service," Interim Dean Howard J. Normile said. "While the faculty and I appreciate their professionalism and impact on community health, approval and recognition from our peers and the University is highly appreciated and coveted."

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The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, a founding college of Wayne State University, is committed to advancing the health and well-being of society through the preparation of highly skilled health care practitioners, and through research to improve health care practices and treatment from the urban to global levels.

Wayne State University is a world class institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students.

Media Contact: Kathleen J. Karas, APR
Voice: (313) 577-2312
E-mail: kkaras@wayne.edu