SIUE School of Pharmacy Teams Visit Local Businesses and Perform 300 Blood Pressure Screenings

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy visited more than 40 local businesses during its “Roll Up Your Sleeves, Edwardsville” during Friday afternoon, April 11.

In a citywide wellness event, teams of 2-3 pharmacy students and one faculty pharmacist visited Edwardsville businesses and performed blood pressure screenings for more than 300 individuals. Twelve teams, which included 30 students and 10 faculty pharmacists, covered the city for five hours.

The program was performed in conjunction with the City of Edwardsville with the support of Mayor Hal Patton, who was also screened.

“Hypertension is an extremely prevalent disease, with nearly 90 percent of all Americans suffering from the disease at some point in their lives,” said. Dr. J. Christopher Lynch, SIUE professor of pharmacy practice. “Because hypertension typically has no symptoms, many working-age adults may have the disease without realizing it.”

Typical health fairs ask participants to come to the providers. This was the reverse as the providers went to the participants.

SIUE teams quickly and accurately measured the blood pressures of employees, who chose to participate, and then moved on to the next scheduled business location. In this manner, those too busy to attend screening events or their doctor’s office were able to know their blood pressure reading.

Photo:  SIUE School of Pharmacy student Emily Donahue checks City of Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton’s blood pressure.