Home - ICHP KeePosted

Official Newsjournal of the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists

Professional Affairs
ICHP American Heart Association (AHA) 2017 Metro Heart Walk

by Tom Westerkamp, MS, RPh on behalf of the ICHP Community Service Sub-Committee

It was early on a sunny, hot Saturday morning when several sleepy student pharmacists and pharmacists gathered around an “ICHP” sign in an Oakbrook parking lot to join hundreds of other walkers on a 1-3 mile walk to raise funds and awareness for the American Heart Association's Heart Walk. Networking and mentoring started amongst the ICHP team as students talked to others from different schools and pharmacists about career opportunities and post-graduation plans for residencies.

The walk was successful and we were able to raise a total $550 combined for the several walks around Illinois to help fight heart disease.

Before the walk started, the ICHP team spoke with a 59 year old man with an LVAD waiting for a heart transplant. He was out of breath at rest, and unable to walk, but felt the need to be at the walk for support. He thanked us for being there and for our efforts. This was a real life example of how pharmacists and pharmacy students care, and a reminder of how we are all part of a profession that makes a real impact on others and helps to save lives. ICHP has been committed to the profession and the community for over 50 years and we hope to continue to provide opportunities to impact our community and advance our profession.