UT fills prescriptions for health center

12/6/2001

The University of Toledo college of pharmacy has begun providing pharmacy services for low-income patients served through the Cordelia Martin Health Center in Toledo.

The center, run by the Neighborhood Health Association, has long provided pharmacy services but closed its pharmacy this year because not enough education of patients was being done.

Pharmacy services were continued through Toledo Hospital, but the University of Toledo has stepped in to provide services.

“This gives the college a chance to practice what it teaches and a chance to service the community,” said Johnnie Early, dean of the college of pharmacy. Students will rotate through and receive education and training while they work under Terrye Thompson, UT pharmacy director. Ms. Thompson has begun working at the pharmacy, and students will join her next semester.

Doni Miller, president of the Neighborhood Health Association, said having UT students and staff running the pharmacy at the Center, 905 Nevada Ave., will improve patient education. “Our patients need more intense education. I approached UT, and they responded immediately that they were interested,” she said.

The Neighborhood Health Association runs eight medical clinics that serve low-income residents in Toledo. The pharmacy at the Cordelia Martin Health Center has a $380,000 annual budget and fills about 26,000 prescriptions annually. The association will provide all the funding and supplies for the pharmacy, while UT will provide personnel.