APhA-ASP and Kappa Psi partner for WSU Sexual Health Fair

Article submitted by the Wayne State chapters of APhA-ASP and Kappa Psi

(Top) Kappa Psi brothers Jad Kawas, Justin Zimmerman, Daniyal Nasir, Ronith Murali, John Purdie, and Zachary Grossklaus. (Bottom left) Christian Dacon, John Quinones, Ian Hay, and Andrew Nguyen. (Bottom right) Esraa Nigma and Mirna Eshaya
Top: Kappa Psi brothers Jad Kawas, Justin Zimmerman, Daniyal Nasir, Ronith Murali, John Purdie and Zachary Grossklaus. Bottom left: Christian Dacon, John Quinones, Ian Hay and Andrew Nguyen. Bottom right: Esraa Nigma and Mirna Eshaya.

This week, student pharmacists from the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists as well as Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity teamed up to hold a Sexual Health Fair on the Wayne State University main campus. This annual APhA event took place in the Towers Residential Hall community room and focused on educating and informing undergraduate students on topics of sexual health including birth control options, how to protect oneself from STIs and where to find related local resources.

“Many people do not have the opportunity to receive proper sex education about birth control, STIs, and safe sex practices in school. This heath fair also provides a unique opportunity for our pharmacy students to practice their patient education skills on 'nontraditional' topics,” said APhA-ASP Chairperson for Nontraditional Patient Care Karli Pelaccio. “We also had the chance to collaborate with WSU Campus Health and their nurses to provide STI testing, giving pharmacy students the opportunity to enhance their interprofessional communication skills. Our past chairs Ryan Mac and Hannah Moore set us up for success with all of their hard work to bring this event to life in 2020. I'm glad I had the opportunity to bring it back this year.”

Left: Karli Pelaccio, Emily Merideth, Dr. Mary Beth O’Connell and Bekki Scribner. Right: Shahad Zaytouna, Hoda Fotovat and Endi Zaka.
Left: Karli Pelaccio, Emily Merideth, Dr. Mary Beth O’Connell and Bekki Scribner. Right: Shahad Zaytouna, Hoda Fotovat and Endi Zaka.

Student pharmacists received training prior to the event to assist with the collection and processing of samples for the on-site STI testing. Additionally, interactive games and educational stations manned by APhA-ASP members were available for undergrad students to learn about healthy sexual practices in an interactive and engaging format.

“This is one of the most vital activities from APhA, as it teaches safe sex and STD/STI, and is not just limited to the pharmacy school — it goes beyond to the Wayne state campus as a whole,” said Obioma Opara, APhA Patient Care Vice-President-Elect and Kappa Psi brother. “APhA has given us an umbrella to advocate for a healthy community. Reaching out to undergrads is a signature grassroots move to capture the young community and educate them on safe sex practices and STD/STI prevention to ensure we have a healthier community.”

Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity donated condoms, personal lubricant and patient education materials about STI prevention, which was handed out to students attending this year’s Sexual Health Fair.

“It is important to teach the community about sexual health because it is a topic that is seldom explored in a proper fashion with young adults and adolescents, and many of them do not know the dangers and harsh realities of unsafe sex practices,” added Jad Kawas, Kappa Psi Philanthropy Chair. “Pharmacists are the most readily available health professionals in a patient’s circle, and can provide important information to patients ranging from treatment recommendations for STIs to the proper usage of prescription and over-the-counter contraceptives.”


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The Doctor of Pharmacy program at Wayne State University is a four-year curriculum in the heart of Detroit. Approximately 100 students are enrolled in each year of the program. WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The application process for the Doctor of Pharmacy program begins in July.

An anchor in urban health care, the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 25,000 students.

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