A new CDC study reveals that Americans with a disability were more likely to seek COVID-19 vaccines, but had more challenges obtaining them compared with other people.

Among the many collateral effects of COVID-19, the pandemic has exacerbated the mental health crisis in the United States. For some, the global shutdown interrupted ongoing mental health care. For others, the stress and isolation triggered new mental health issues. 

If you are wondering what health care disparities might look like in medication use for chronic diseases, a new study published in JAMA Network Open can serve as just one example. Among patients with diabetes in the United States, researchers found that lower rates of SGLT2 inhibitor use, a medication with substantial cardioprotective and kidney protective benefits, is associated with Black race, Asian race, female gender, and lower household income.

Underserved populations throughout our country can benefit from student pharmacist–led interventions. Providing these services through programs like Project CHANCE empowers student pharmacists to promote health equity and address our nation’s need for primary care providers.

The overall goal of the Partners in D program is to cultivate an environment where patients feel empowered to take ownership of their health while gaining a better understanding of their medications and prescription drug coverage. Now in its 15th year, the program has evolved over time from an outreach elective for student pharmacists to an interprofessional elective and, most recently, part of the pharmacy school’s core curriculum.