Stepping Up: School of Pharmacy COVID-19 Testing Volunteers

A team of volunteers and faculty from the School of Pharmacy is collaborating with the Black COVID-19 Equity Coalition and regional health centers to increase coronavirus testing in Pittsburgh’s predominantly black communities.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the collaboration has worked to mend health inequities that exist in Black and underserved communities. Data on the national and local level has shown that Black Americans are hospitalized and die from COVID-19 at a higher rate than white Americans.

The team includes pharmacy professors Dr. Elizabeth Bunk, Dr. Jennifer Elliott, Dr. Marc Harold, Dr. Bob Laux, Dr. Autumn Stewart-Lynch, Dr. Becky Schoen, Dr. Amanda Shaver and Dr. Kevin Tidgewell as well as Amy Stroyne, assistant to the dean for research and graduate programs.

“Given our health care expertise and existing relationships in these communities and with the health centers, it was a natural fit for us to help,” said Elliott, associate professor of pharmacy practice. “Many people in these communities face multiple barriers to health care; we are committed to meeting residents where they are and connecting them to needed services.”

As part of the effort, Duquesne volunteers recommend COVID-19 prevention strategies to patients and community members, and educate patients on administering oral self-swab tests and the importance of post follow-up care.

Thanks to all the School of Pharmacy volunteers for helping promote community health and wellbeing in our region!

Stepping Up

We’re recognizing individual Duquesne employees who are going above and beyond in their job duties (beyond transitioning to online services) to serve our students, our campus and local community during these uncertain times. To submit an individual for nomination, email Emily Stock at stocke@duq.edu.