WVU School of Pharmacy students observe World Diabetes Day
MORGANTOWN, W. Va. – When can one small blue circle make a difference to the health of people across the globe? When it is the symbol of diabetes.
West Virginia University School of Pharmacy students are holding a World Diabetes Day observance on Monday, Nov. 15. The observance will be in front of the WVU Health Sciences Center at 6:30 p.m.
“The symbol for World Diabetes Day is a blue circle,” Holly Kirk, third-year pharmacy student, said. “Many people may know someone who has diabetes, or may even have diabetes themselves. By coming together and wearing blue, we are showing our support for our friends and loved ones and are also showing we are a unified voice in diabetes awareness.”
The theme of World Diabetes Day is Diabetes Education and Prevention. Kirk is a member of the WVU chapter of the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP). She and fellow student pharmacist Micah Plants are the student chapter’s Operation Diabetes Campaign co-chairs.
“The ASP chapter is very active in providing and promoting health care and information to our community members,” Kirk said. “Our chapter participates in health fairs where we offer free health screenings like blood glucose testing for those who want to check their health or monitor an existing disease state.”
“Diabetes is a growing concern not only in our community, but across the globe,” Kirk added. “As student pharmacists, we know we can make a difference in the lives of our patients by providing them with the information they need to make healthier choices and to also speak with them about their diabetes medications. And even though we can help them through these ways, we can also help by shining a light for awareness.”
