The Paul Lauzier Foundation has awarded the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS) a $47,500 grant. The grant will fund patient care services for those experiencing homelessness and rural communities in the Yakima Valley in central Washington state.
“The work being done by the students, faculty and volunteers who participate in this program is extremely important. We are pleased to have this opportunity to join in the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ efforts to provide health care services to rural communities,” said Paul Lauzier Foundation trustee, Michael Rex Tabler.
Working with the Yakima Union Gospel Mission Medical Center, WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty and student pharmacists will improve services under the supervision of WSU CPPS Assistant Professor Nicholas Giruzzi.
“Our student pharmacists are passionate and eager to help others and these funds will enable them to use their expertise to help those who are in need of testing and medication but don’t have access,” said Giruzzi, who teaches at the WSU CPPS extension in Yakima.
The clinic assists area farmers and migrant workers who serve in the region’s agricultural industry. Patients who visit the clinic generally do not have health insurance and have limited incomes. Expanded services at the clinic will go towards diabetes treatment, optimizing medication therapy, and testing for Hepatitis C and HIV.
“We opened our Yakima extension five years ago with the intention of helping rural populations and underserved communities. This grant brings us one step closer in fulfilling our mission as a college,” said Mark Leid, Dean of the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Over 60 health care professionals volunteer at the Union Gospel Mission Medical Center, including faculty from the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The funds from the Lauzier Foundation will help to expand the role of student pharmacists in a health care team.
Media contacts:
Connie Young, WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 509-368-6679, connie.young@wsu.edu