By Sholnn Z. Freeman
The Howard University College of Pharmacy, the only college of its kind in the District of Columbia, recently partnered with the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) to train pharmacists from across the country on the delivery of immunizations services. Pharmacists are increasingly being recognized for the critical roles they play in helping local communities confront global health emergencies.
On September 22, the College of Pharmacy’s Office of Continuing Professional Education immunization training event attracted participants from the DMV and several states, including Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, and even Alaska. APhA is the largest association of pharmacists in the United States and is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession. The association is hosting five immunization certificate training programs this year.
“Howard University College of Pharmacy is delighted to serve as a host for the APhA Immunization Training,” says Ranti Akiyode, Pharm.D., interim dean of the Howard University College of Pharmacy. “We value the training of practicing pharmacists and understand the unique role that pharmacists play every single day to address the public health challenges in this country. We are thrilled to partner with APhA in contributing to this mission.”
The day-long event featured College of Pharmacy clinical assistant professors Tamara McCants, Pharm.D., Yolanda McKoy, Pharm.D., and Jacqueise Unonu, Pharm.D., who served as faculty lecturers and immunization assessment facilitators for the training. Additionally, Careen-Joan Franklin, Pharm.D., Clinical Assistant Professor and alumnus and Registered Manager for Walgreens at Howard University Hospital, Damika Walker, Pharm.D., served as immunization assessment facilitators as well.
“The pharmacist profession is the only health profession that requires such a robust and rigorous immunization training program of its clinicians,” said Anthea V. Francis, R.Ph., coordinator of the Office of Continuing Professional Education in the College of Pharmacy. “APhA has convened training events throughout the country for over two decades. However, it is the first time the association has partnered with the college to host immunization training in the District of Columbia. Indeed, it is a badge of honor for the College of Pharmacy to be invited by the profession’s largest professional member- association to partner on such an important initiative.”
Francis added that the training event was timely and would ensure more pharmacists are qualified to serve the public, particularly marginalized communities, access to immunizations and vaccines.
