October is the annual recognition month for the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Student chapters on campus have a host of activities planned to draw attention to their professions.
Behind the theme “Know Your Medicine. Know Your Pharmacist,” The University’s Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) will head to New York City on October 2 in what is quickly becoming an annual tradition and stand outside during one of the national morning show telecasts. This year, the students will re-visit NBC’s Today Show. Travel arrangements for the students were sponsored by the USP Alumni Association.
Later that day, in addition to an American Pharmacists Month Kick-Off Party from 5 to 7 p.m., the students will hold a free public medication screening in the McNeil STC also from 5 to 7 p.m. APhA-ASP invites members of the community to bring all prescription and nonprescription drugs, including herbal and vitamin supplements, for review. Faculty and students from PCP will be available for personal consultations to ensure that each person is not using or storing expired medications and is not taking medications, that, when taken together, could cause unwanted side effects.
Other events on the schedule include: a free health screening for members of
Philadelphia’s police department and their families (October 11); an over-the-counter (OTC) medication display (October 14) in Wilson Hall from noon to 3 p.m.; the PCP white coat ceremony (October 25); and the Juvenile Diabetes Walk (October 26, 2008). Visit
www.uspapha.com for up-to-date activities.
The Student Physical Therapy Association (SPTA) will begin their month of celebration with the theme of “Physical Therapy: it’s all about movement” with a social event when Wilson Dining Hall transforms into a BINGO parlor on Oct. 8. There is no cost to play and prizes and snacks will be provided.
SPTA turns its attention to giving back to the community with a volunteer activity at the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy. SPTA will join recreational activities and engage the children at the school on an upcoming Wednesday evening in October.
After a successful outing last year, the Magee Eagles Quad Rugby Team returns for a scrimmage and will offer a chance for spectators play with the team. By far the biggest event of the fall semester, SPTA will collect donations and raffle off prizes at this event. All the proceeds will go to the Magee Eagles Quad Rugby Team. This event will be held on Wednesday, October 29 in the Rec Gym at the ARC from 6 to 10 p.m.
Additional fundraising activities during the month include t-shirt and bake sales.