(265) A Service-Focused, Multilevel Advocacy Framework for Student Pharmacists

Objective : To describe how the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy drives service-focused advocacy within the community and beyond to enhance the public's perception of pharmacy.

Methods: The university invests in pharmacy’s future through partnerships promoting student pharmacist advocacy. Through these opportunities, student pharmacists serve the community, enhancing the public's perception of the profession. Faculty lead a grassroots campaign with institutional support, using a structured approach to teach and model advocacy, empowering students to take ownership of the profession. Opportunities were created for students at the local, state, national and international levels.

Results: Locally, student pharmacists participated in over 25 health fairs and community outreach events, helping hundreds of patients. Through a grassroots campaign, Winchester’s mayor recognized National Pharmacy Week, acknowledging the invaluable role of pharmacists on the healthcare team. At the state level, students and faculty mentors advocated for the profession with legislators, joining a movement resulting in passing pharmacist provider-status in Virginia and passing a pharmacist test-treat-refer bill for influenza, COVID-19, strep, and urinary tract infections. Nationally, 48 students received university funding to attend national pharmacy meetings, providing opportunities to network and create policy. Fourteen students presented posters and participated as delegates in policy meetings. Internationally, the university sent 15 students and faculty on international mission trips, advocating for the profession while addressing health disparities. These partnerships within the local community, state, national and international organizations empowered students to advocate for themselves and the pharmacy profession, helping the public see their value.

Conclusions: Institutions should provide and support advocacy opportunities to strengthen the public’s perception of pharmacy at the local, state, national and international levels.