The National Consumers League (NCL) announced the winners of its Annual Team Challenge, an eight-week intercollegiate competition among health profession student teams and faculty intended to combat poor medication adherence in the United States. Nearly three-out-of-four patients do not take their medication as directed.
The Challenge returns to pharmacy school campuses each year to encourage student competition and innovation. The Team Challenge was first established in 2011 to nurture adherence-minded values in future generations of health professionals. Since its launch, the Campaign has supported more than 2,000 community health events, engaged more than 60,000 healthcare providers, and reached 27.5 million consumers.
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Pharmacy enjoys the laudable distinction of once again (for the third consecutive year), being the National Award Winner; this year, in the category of Interprofessional Education.
LECOM students and faculty designed community service events in collaboration with various healthcare professionals across various pathways (in Erie, Bradenton, and Distance Education) and across programs (such as pharmacy, medical, and masters). More than 30 events and 300 hours of community service have been logged this year by LECOM students as part of the Script Your Future National Campaign to raise awareness of medication adherence and safety.
It is precisely because of the students’ incredible efforts, that the LECOM School of Pharmacy was once again an award winner in the national competition under the category of Interprofessional Education.
Students volunteered numerous times at local middle schools, high schools, and technical schools to teach students about safe medication practices, the responsibilities of pharmacists, vaccines, and medication management. Several outreach efforts included a multi-disciplinary team of LECOM students and faculty who traveled to local schools, speaking to youth about dentistry, pharmacy, and medicine, and about the educational opportunities at LECOM.
Other events included multiple visits to assisted living facilities, senior housing complexes, and churches – where safe medication disposal was taught, along with the importance of proper adherence and storage of medication, vaccine information, and tips to spot online pharmacy scams. Students also worked with younger children as part of the education efforts. Events at a YMCA in Lakewood Ranch, Florida and the Kids Café in Erie taught children about poison prevention, medication safety, and proper diet and nutrition.
A bevy of educational materials were distributed in-person to a vast array of individuals. Social media, print, and broadcasting efforts reached thousands of people.
Through all the educational outreach events, LECOM students stayed true to their theme: Be SAFE – Be Well.
This year, the School of Pharmacy Script Your Future Campaign impacted 265,872 patients.
The unified message promoted by the Challenge highlighted the importance of medication adherence, chronic disease state management, reducing disease stigma, smoking cessation, safe drug disposal, and Over-the-Counter medication safety.
The Script Your Future Healthcare Pledge affirms the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork in improving patient outcomes.
In sum, the LECOM Script Your Future was a successful and purposeful campaign that welcomed volunteers, offering countless hours of community service offered through their well-received service events.
LECOM resoundingly lauds the achievements of these fine scholars and their key undertakings that impart upon LECOM an enthusiasm, a fervor, and a contagious spirit that is a positive example to the entire arena of healthcare.