Target contributes to Campbell’s minority pharmacists program

     Target’s “Expect More” slogan echoes true at the Campbell University School of Pharmacy. The school has received a grant from the community giving program at Target in the amount of $2,000 in support of Campbell’s minority pharmacists program.
     “We greatly appreciate Target’s support of the School of Pharmacy’s minority initiative,” said Dr. Ronald Maddox, dean of the Campbell University School of Pharmacy. “In 2005, minority pharmacists represented only four percent of practicing pharmacists in North Carolina. Through the support of organizations such as Target, it is our intent to increase minority awareness and participation in the profession of pharmacy.”
     Research has proven that ethnically diverse and culturally competent health care providers significantly impact outcomes and access to good health care. Unfortunately, as many as 45 counties in the state of North Carolina are without minority pharmacists. To meet this need, Campbell University obtained a state grant to promote and stimulate interest in the field of pharmacy for minority students with the goal of increasing the number of qualified minority applicants to pharmacy school. The grant was used to create the Pharmacy Readiness and Enrichment program (PREP). The PREP program partners with Central Carolina Community College, Fayetteville State University, Shaw University and the University of Carolina at Pembroke to promote a week-long summer camp held at Campbell. The camp is designed to expose participants to pharmacy career options and prepare them for the Pharmacy College Admissions test.
     “We are committed to this program and plan to expand our partnership with other institutions,” said Dr. Mark Moore, assistant dean of Student Affairs and Admissions for the Pharmacy School.
     PREP students will learn about pharmacy career fields from current students, alumni and other professionals and will have the opportunity to be mentored by leaders of the school, as well as state and local leaders in the profession. They will also receive preparation tips for the admissions process and participate in activities that will enhance their interviewing skills.
     Target’s community grants offer awards up to $3,000 that focus on the arts, family, violence prevention and reading. For questions or comments about the program, email community.relations@Target.com