Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

The Purdue University College of Pharmacy Center for Health Equity and Innovation (CHEqI) was created with a mission to increase access to healthcare services and products utilizing innovative, evidence-based, and sustainable strategies, with a vision of improving health outcomes for disparate populations locally and globally. Working within CHEqI, pharmacists continue to play a vital role in achieving health equity outcomes. Within an urban, academic, safety net health system in Indianapolis, IN (USA) pharmacists have become integrated members of the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) care team focusing on chronic disease management for people that are underserved and marginalized. Pharmacists within the FQHCs have shown an increase in achievement of clinical outcomes while improving the primary care provider clinic process (i.e.; increased capacity for patient appointments, etc.). Beyond direct patient-care initiatives, pharmacists are working with community health workers and other community partners to increase the breadth and scope of services available to address social determinants of health. A partnership has been created with a pharmacy within a grocery store to increase food access through delivery of food and medications to people living in rural areas. Engaging in a rich discussion will allow participants to gain additional insights into how pharmacists can move beyond “traditional” roles and responsibilities when interacting with the community and healthcare system to address health inequities.