Stop by a local Kroger this February and you may see a few students from The University of Toledo trying to make a difference.
Throughout the month, UT pharmacy students will be raising awareness about the importance of medication adherence and promoting communication between patients and pharmacists. The initiative is part of Script Your Future, a national campaign of the National Consumers League — a nonprofit that focuses on social and economic justice for consumers and workers.
According to the National Consumers League, three out of four people do not take their medications as directed, and one-third of all hospital admissions can be linked to poor adherence. This widespread problem costs Americans $290 billion per year, and that is why these students are taking action.
“The Script Your Future challenge provides an opportunity for me to utilize the lessons I have learned in the classroom to help patients,” said Idris Yakubu, a UT candidate for a doctor of pharmacy degree. “It also enables me to strengthen my patient interaction skills and helps improve patients’ perceptions of pharmacists.”
UT students will be passing out wallet-sized personal medication lists and talking with patrons at various Kroger locations every Saturday. They also will discuss the importance of medication adherence Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the UT Community Care Clinic.
“As the leading medical center in the Toledo area, it is important for the University to reach out to patients within the community and continue to help improve the human condition,” Yakubu said.
For more information on the national campaign, visit scriptyourfuture.org.
