UACP PICS Program

Through the PICS Program (Pharmacists in Community Service), all students participate in at least 50 hours of commnity service each year, much of which focuses on healthcare issues in the Appalachian region.

About PICS

All students at UACP have an early and on-going exposure to volunteerism through the Pharmacists in Community Service (PICS) program. The goal of PICS is to engender in students a commitment to volunteerism and civic engagement as a component of developing their professional identity and to address health issues and concerns pertinent to the central region of Appalachia. Students work with children, adults, senior citizens, caregivers, medically underserved populations, and disabled citizens of the region to educate them about such topics as preventive health measures, chronic disease management, and medication adherence. Students are required to provide 50 hours of community service per year (50 PICS hours annually) at least one-half of which are health-related.

UACP is collaborating with a local civic group and faith-based community to provide support and information to families affected by substance abuse. Central Appalachia has widely recognized disproportionate burden of morbidity and premature mortality (death) related to prescription substance abuse. The College commitment to this effort is a step toward fulfilling our mission to improve the health of the area.

UACP has a high profile of student-faculty group involvement in the community through the Remote Area Medical missions (health fairs) in the region and our involvement in improving the health of senior citizens by conducing brown bag sessions for seniors and their caregivers, and work in rural Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) sites. Many other community events and drives are conducted by UACP students providing fund raising for research and medical services and information about and screening for specific disease states. Students also engage in community assistance programs and collaborate with community leaders in outcomes studies and health and wellness projects.