by Natalia Kirychuk, Student Public Relations Writer
Cedarville University’s professional pharmacy students will educate visitors at the DeCoach Rehabilitation Centre health fair in Xenia, Ohio, on March 19. The health fair is open to the general public and focused on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues, providing accurate information about treatment options and improving overall public health and wellness.
Students will provide information on health topics such as HIV, mental health, suicide prevention, prescription drug interactions, signs and symptoms of abuse, vaccine health and smoking cessation.
— Megan Alt
In addition, students will provide free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings. Flu shots will be offered by Barr’s Hometown Pharmacy to those who have reserved an appointment by Friday, March 15.
“This event is so important because Cedarville pharmacy students get to reach out and help our neighbors in the Xenia community,” said Megan Alt, second-year professional pharmacy student from Perrysburg, Ohio. “We will provide correct and up-to-date information of on many different health topics for free. Hopefully, this event will have a big turn out and we can educate as many people as we can.”
DeCoach Rehabilitation Centre was founded to combat the opioid crisis in the greater Cincinnati and Dayton areas. The Fairfield, Ohio, office was opened in 2016, and the Xenia office opened in 2017. They work to provide a holistic approach to treatment by acknowledging the unique biological, sociological and psychological factors of each patient.
“We are extraordinarily excited to work with Cedarville University to reduce the stigma around mental health and addiction in Greene County,” said Kaleb Barrows, DeCoach director of operations. “Through this collaborative approach, we are able to educate and involve other community members in our fight against addiction. The health fair allows our organization to take a holistic approach to treatment where we are working towards wholesome healing and addressing any underlying needs or issues.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,193 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including its doctor of pharmacy program, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.