Albuquerque, October 18, 2025
The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy recently held its Annual Community Outreach Day, attracting over 200 local students. Through hands-on health education workshops, participants learned about medication safety, wellness tips, and preventive care strategies. The event emphasized the importance of health education in underserved communities, providing students with free health kits and resources to improve their long-term health outcomes.
Albuquerque, NM – UNM College of Pharmacy Hosts Annual Community Outreach Day
The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy in Albuquerque held its annual Community Outreach Day, drawing over 200 local students to participate in hands-on health education workshops. The event took place at Bernalillo County schools, where pharmacy faculty and student volunteers led sessions on medication safety and general wellness tips. This initiative aimed to boost public health awareness, especially in underserved communities throughout the Albuquerque area.
Organized under the theme ‘Healthy Futures’, the outreach focused on preventive care strategies to address the challenges of rising healthcare costs. Participants engaged in interactive sessions covering topics like drug interactions and everyday health practices. Each student received free health kits containing essential items to reinforce the lessons learned during the workshops.
The event highlighted the college’s efforts to connect academic resources with community needs. By bringing educational programs directly to local schools, the College of Pharmacy sought to empower young residents with knowledge that could improve their long-term health outcomes. Volunteers emphasized practical skills, such as safely managing medications at home and recognizing common wellness risks.
Event Structure and Participation
The day-long program featured multiple workshop stations set up across participating schools in Bernalillo County. Over 200 students from various grade levels joined the activities, benefiting from the guidance of experienced pharmacy professionals. Faculty members shared expertise on how proper medication use can prevent adverse effects, while student volunteers demonstrated relatable examples to keep the content accessible for younger audiences.
Interactive elements included group discussions and hands-on demonstrations, allowing students to ask questions and apply concepts immediately. The free health kits distributed at the end of the sessions included items like informational pamphlets, basic hygiene supplies, and reminders about safe drug practices. This approach ensured that the outreach extended beyond the event itself, providing tools for ongoing education at home.
Focus on Preventive Care and Public Health
With healthcare costs continuing to rise, the ‘Healthy Futures’ theme underscored the importance of prevention in maintaining community well-being. Workshops delved into topics such as identifying drug interactions that could lead to health complications and adopting simple lifestyle changes for better wellness. These sessions were tailored to be age-appropriate, making complex health information straightforward and engaging for school-aged children.
The initiative addressed gaps in health education often found in underserved areas of Albuquerque. By focusing on proactive measures, the program aimed to equip participants with the tools to make informed decisions about their health, potentially reducing the burden on local healthcare systems in the future.
Community and Leadership Involvement
Local leaders attended the event, showing support for the program’s goals and pledging ongoing collaboration with the College of Pharmacy. Their presence reinforced the event’s role in building stronger ties between educational institutions and the broader Albuquerque community. The UNM President highlighted how such efforts bridge the gap between academia and public service, emphasizing the university’s dedication to regional health improvement.
This outreach also serves as a training ground for future pharmacists. Student volunteers gained real-world experience in communicating health information, while faculty members reinforced their commitment to community-engaged scholarship. The event aligns with broader university objectives to foster environments where education directly contributes to societal well-being.
Broader Impact on Albuquerque’s Health Landscape
The annual Community Outreach Day has become a staple in Albuquerque’s public health calendar, consistently reaching hundreds of residents each year. This edition built on previous successes by expanding workshop formats to cover emerging health concerns. By targeting schools in Bernalillo County, the program reaches families who might otherwise lack access to specialized health education.
Overall, the event demonstrated the College of Pharmacy’s ongoing role in promoting health literacy. It not only educated participants but also inspired a sense of collective responsibility for public health. As Albuquerque continues to navigate healthcare challenges, initiatives like this provide a foundation for sustainable improvements in community wellness.
The outreach underscores the University of New Mexico’s broader commitment to the well-being of Albuquerque residents. Through targeted programs, the institution works to develop future health professionals while directly supporting local needs. This year’s event successfully combined education, engagement, and resource distribution to advance preventive health practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the main focus of the UNM College of Pharmacy’s Community Outreach Day?
The event focused on health education workshops under the theme ‘Healthy Futures,’ emphasizing preventive care amid rising healthcare costs.
How many students participated in the event?
Over 200 local students participated in the hands-on health education workshops.
Where did the event take place?
The event took place at Bernalillo County schools in Albuquerque.
What topics were covered in the workshops?
Workshops covered medication safety, wellness tips, and interactive sessions on drug interactions.
Who led the sessions?
Pharmacy faculty and student volunteers led the sessions on medication safety and general wellness tips.
What did participants receive?
Participants received free health kits and engaged in interactive sessions on drug interactions.
Key Features of the Community Outreach Day
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Theme | ‘Healthy Futures’ focused on preventive care |
| Number of Participants | Over 200 local students |
| Location | Bernalillo County schools in Albuquerque |
| Main Topics | Medication safety, wellness tips, drug interactions |
| Leaders | Pharmacy faculty and student volunteers |
| Resources Provided | Free health kits for participants |
| Community Impact | Promoting public health awareness in underserved communities |
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