The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy receives $1.15 million grant from McKesson Foundation to launch PROPEL program
The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy has been awarded a $1.15 million grant from the McKesson Foundation to establish the Pathways and Recruitment Opportunities for Pharmacy Exploration and Learning (PROPEL) program. This transformative initiative aims to elevate awareness of pharmacy careers among middle and high school students in medically underserved communities, increase enrollment in pharmacy training pathways and provide professional training focused on caring for underserved patients.
"Ultimately, our goal is to make sure everyone can receive quality care where and when they need it,” said Melissa Thompson, president of the McKesson Foundation. “By supporting The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy’s efforts to increase the number of diverse pharmacists, as well as healthcare services in medically underserved areas, we’re helping to build platforms that will lead to better health outcomes among rural and vulnerable populations.”
The PROPEL program will leverage Ohio State’s strengths as an urban public land-grant institution and its partnerships with Ohio University and Columbus State Community College. The program’s primary goals are to:
1 Raise Awareness and Recruit Students
Develop and deliver inclusive, pharmacy-centered career promotion activities for students in grades 8-12 in urban and rural Ohio. This includes creating culturally responsive resources and engaging students through classroom visits, parent-targeted programming and campus field trips.
2 Create Educational Pathways
Establish and expand inter-institutional pathways to pharmacy education with partners such as Columbus State Community College and Ohio University, as well as build an early student success program to boost readiness and belonging. These pathways aim to maximize accessibility and support for students from underserved communities to complete their educational training at Ohio State.
3 Specialized Training for PharmD Students
Develop a Community Care for the Underserved specialization track within the PharmD curriculum, implement immersive service-learning trips in urban and rural areas and expand Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) opportunities in underserved communities.
The PROPEL program, led by Drs. Nicole Kwiek and Jen Rodis, is set to begin in January 2025 and will run through December 2028. It is expected to serve over 1,800 individuals, including middle and high school students, undergraduate and PharmD students, and patients.
“This grant will enable us to help build a more diverse and capable pharmacy workforce, ultimately creating outstanding providers who return to their communities and increase access to pharmacist-provided care,” said Deanna L. Kroetz, dean and professor of the College of Pharmacy. “We are very appreciative of the McKesson Foundation’s support of this program.”
About the McKesson Foundation
Founded in 1943, the McKesson Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporate foundation dedicated to advancing health outcomes for all. The Foundation’s mission is to remove barriers to quality health care across North America, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities. The foundation’s efforts focus on three pillars – reducing the burden of cancer, preparing tomorrow’s health care workforce, and accelerating crisis response. For more information about the McKesson Foundation, click here.