Mission-focused Learning at Market Night

“... we are putting learning into service, one life at a time.”

by Stephen Vodhanel, PhD

Loma Linda School of Pharmacy remains committed to mission-focused learning opportunities by engaging students in a community outreach program designed to bring medication information and prescription drug facts to the local community. For several years, LLUSP has participated in Redlands Market Night with service from many students, faculty, and staff. Under the supervision of licensed pharmacists, students establish an information booth where people in the local community can seek advice on their medication prescriptions or any other general drug and health information.

According to Brittanya Limone, class of 2015, Market Night is much more than setting up a booth and waiting for questions. “Health is often not a very popular topic, especially with many of the local residents out for a leisurely walk among the market booths. Often, students must bravely approach passersby to ask if they would be interested in learning more about their health. Most often people are very receptive to any information and service we may offer.”

Giana Hasley, class of 2016, states that Market Night is an example of a key component of the University’s mission. “The University’s mission is to sustain a culture of service, and I am looking forward to serving the underserved at Market Night using the education and training I am receiving here at Loma Linda University. At Market Night, we are putting learning into service, one life at a time,” said Hasley.

Students also have drug and health materials for people seeking more information on a multitude of health topics, and often this information disappears quickly. Promotional items are always fun to have for people, and this year’s hit was the syringe ball-point pen!

Pharmacy students having a bit of fun with syringe ball-point pens before the Redlands Market Night, October 11, 2012.