In 2004, pharmacy students involved in the American Pharmacists Association’s (APhA) Academy of Student Pharmacists were looking for a way to reach out to the community through volunteer projects.

At the top of their list was Prevention Point Philadelphia, a public health organization that delivers a range of services such as needle exchange, vaccinations, and medical and family planning counseling services to underserved populations around Philadelphia.

Laura Gilbert-Hayn, a 2007 graduate of the School of Pharmacy, said she was excited to learn that Prevention Point needed volunteers at its street-side site at Somerset and Warnock Streets in North Philadelphia.

“The APhA encourages its student pharmacists to get involved in the community,” Gilbert-Hayn said. “Theresa Anderson [a 2006 pharmacy graduate] and I looked into Prevention Point as a way to help those who are most in need.”

Since then, pharmacy students have worked at the street-side site as well as on publicity and educational efforts, such as distributing fliers and discussing Prevention Point’s services with local healthcare professionals.

Their efforts have earned the School of Pharmacy a $2,000 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Pharmacy Services Support Center for the third year in a row.

The grant will be used to purchase common over-the-counter medications and antibiotics and enhance awareness efforts.

While students are not permitted to give prescription medications or syringes, a licensed pharmacist or doctor is always on hand to assist patients with their medical needs. Students are able to provide over-the-counter medications, test blood pressure, direct patients to the proper healthcare services, and counsel those in need.

“Counseling patients, making them feel welcome, helps to improve care,” said Sejal Patel, a project coordinator and Pharm.D. student. “When you can be non-judgmental, it lets people who sometimes feel like no one will help them to open up about problems they’re having.”

“We’re helping people in need put the pieces together,” added project coordinator Elisa Cocchiarella, also a Pharm.D. student. “People who come to the site are often intimidated by healthcare professionals. We’re able to talk to them in an informal setting, dressed very casually, which lets them know we’re on their level, and we’re here to help.”

Pharmacy students are joined in their efforts by medical students, who have volunteered at Prevention Point for more than 10 years, and law students who help with legal issues like lifting bench warrants so that patients are able to receive treatments.

“The students’ involvement with Prevention Point was one of the reasons I decided to come Temple,” Cocchiarella said. “I’m excited for the work we’ll be doing next year.”