Local and global volunteer opportunities for pharmacists to contribute to public health

Abstract

There are many local and global volunteer opportunities for pharmacists to contribute to public health initiatives that help promote health, prevent disease and improve access to care. This article provides perspective and guidance for pharmacists and student pharmacists who desire to take part in volunteer initiatives related to local and global public health needs. The case examples provided are limited to activities that occurred strictly in a volunteer capacity. Pharmacists serving in a volunteer capacity have an opportunity to broaden their depth of practice and patient care responsibilities. Their skills sets and knowledge can be applied in a variety of public health settings to help meet the health care needs of the communities and patients they serve. Emergency response and caring for the underserved are recurring themes within the volunteer opportunities afforded to pharmacists. Examples include, but are not limited to, the US Medical Reserve Corps, health departments, health centres and clinics, medical service trips and disaster relief. Regardless of setting, the volunteer pharmacist will need to consider scope of practice limitations and certain legal protections. An array of volunteer opportunities exists for pharmacists and student pharmacists in the public health arena. Participating in these events allows pharmacists to expand their practice experiences while contributing to public health needs and outreach.

Use of a Modified Delphi Process to Determine Course Objectives for a Model Global Health Course in a Pharmacy Curriculum

“…Yet, multiple opportunities for pharmacists in global health exist, including involvement in clinical care for the underserved, relief/disaster efforts, regulatory development, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and volunteerism. [5][6][7] Although debated, the most commonly utilized definition of global health is "an area for study, research, and practice that places a priority on improving health for all people worldwide… [it] emphasizes transnational health issues, determinants, and solutions; involves many disciplines within…”

Strengthening Global Health Outreach Programs Through Pharmacy Services

“…Unfortunately, teams deployed to resourcepoor settings often fail to use pharmacists because team members are unaware of pharmacists' unique clinical and logistical expertise. 4,5 Integration of pharmacy services into health care teams already occurs in the US Medical Reserve Corps, USAID (US Agency for International Development), the Peace Corps, disaster medical assistance teams, free clinics, and nongovernmental medical service teams. 4 In many such organizations and settings, pharmacists oversee pretrip formulary management, drug acquisition, pharmacy setup, and pharmacy work flow.…”

“…4,5 Integration of pharmacy services into health care teams already occurs in the US Medical Reserve Corps, USAID (US Agency for International Development), the Peace Corps, disaster medical assistance teams, free clinics, and nongovernmental medical service teams. 4 In many such organizations and settings, pharmacists oversee pretrip formulary management, drug acquisition, pharmacy setup, and pharmacy work flow. Pharmacists also provide clinical consultations, dispense medications, manage inventory, and dismantle pharmacies when outreach programs are completed.…”

“…Pharmacists also provide clinical consultations, dispense medications, manage inventory, and dismantle pharmacies when outreach programs are completed. 4,[6][7][8] Described here are the specific benefits pharmacists bring to strengthen surgical and medical service teams. This article also explores how student and resident pharmacist participation early in professional training can help increase pharmacists' visibility in global health outreach programs.…”

Partners in Public Health: Public Health Collaborations With Schools of Pharmacy, 2015

“…1 Pharmacists have been incorporated into an increasingly wide range of public health initiatives, including surveillance, community outreach, chronic disease management, vaccinations, emergency preparedness, and global health. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Documents issued by the US Public Health Service, 10 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 and the National Association of County and City Health Officials 6 support these roles. Prominent public health organizations have addressed the role of pharmacists in public health and called for expanded public health training for student pharmacists.…”