Operation Heart

APhA-ASP Operation Heart

Operation Heart

As the public’s most accessible health care provider, pharmacists can play a significant role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, studies have already demonstrated the value of pharmacists in improving cardiovascular outcomes. In 2009, a trial published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that collaboration between physicians and pharmacists resulted in better control of hypertension, the most common CVD and a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

As future health care professionals and patient advocates, student pharmacists can support these efforts and address an unmet need in public health by helping patients identify and understand their risks for CVD. Through public awareness, community outreach, and patient-specific education on cardiovascular risk factors, student pharmacists can empower patients to take control of their health and prevent cardiovascular disease before it starts.

Through participation in Operation Heart student pharmacist will work in their communities to encourage lifestyle modifications, monitor associated risk factors, and provide education about medications for heart disease.

Operation Heart National Liaison: Ellie Balken (ellie.balken@jacks.sdstate.edu)

Program Results

Operation Heart was launched as an official APhA-ASP National Patient Care project in 2010. During the 2021-2022 campaign student pharmacists achieved the following results:

120 chapters participated
9,946 student pharmacists participated
589 faculty and staff members participated
263 pharmacy practitioners participated
765 Operation Heart events conducted
827 patients referred to their primary care provider
43,545 patients received health and wellness services
2,588,052 individuals reached through public relations initiatives

Online Resources

Operation Heart Award Report & Recognition

APhA-ASP recognizes each chapter that implements an Operation Heart program in their community. One Chapter from each of the eight APhA-ASP regions are recognized during Midyear Regional Meetings. In addition, the eight regional winners, along with one national winner, and two national runners-up are recognized during the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition at the APhA-ASP Opening General Session and in Student Pharmacist magazine.

Recognition

Recognition will be awarded to the top chapters nationally at the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition. Chapters receive the following cash awards:

National Award Winning Chapter = $1,000
National 1st Runner-up = $750
National 2nd Runner-up = $500
Regional Award Winning Chapters - Regions 1-8 = $250

Award Recipients

We are excited to announce the 2021-2022 Operation Heart Overall Results. Join us in celebrating the 2021-2022 Operation Heart National and Regional Award Recipients!

National Award - University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy

First Runner-Up Award - Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Second Runner-Up Award - West Virginia University School of Pharmacy

Region 1 – University at Buffalo the State University of New York School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Region 2 – University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Region 3 – University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Region 4 – University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy

Region 5 – Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Region 6 – University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy

Region 7 – Idaho State University College of Pharmacy

Region 8 – University of Southern California School of Pharmacy

Report Submission

To be considered for regional and national awards for APhA-ASP Operation Heart activities, chapters can complete an essay and submit a separate chronological list for the project events (e.g. Operation Heart Chronological List) within the APhA-ASP Chapter Achievement Report form. Guidelines and information on the submission process can be found within the APhA-ASP Chapter Achievement Report information.

APhA-ASP Home Page APhA-ASP Projects and Programs