University of Florida College of Pharmacy student pharmacists made a strong impression at the American Pharmacist Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists, or APhA-ASP, Midyear Regional Meeting, Nov. 1-3, winning multiple regional awards and a key leadership position. UF’s team earned the Operation Diabetes and Operation OTC Medication Safety awards, and Gainesville student Isabella Ico was elected as the Region 3 delegate for 2025-26, giving her a voice in national policy discussions.
The UF APhA-ASP chapter was honored with the Operation Diabetes Award for its extensive health outreach, including point-of-care testing and screenings for over 350 individuals in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Orlando. UF pharmacy students provided blood glucose and blood pressure screenings, administered over 100 vaccinations, and offered diabetes risk assessments and lifestyle counseling.
The Operation OTC Medication Safety Award recognized UF’s work to raise awareness about medication safety in local communities. Activities included the “Zoo Boo Bash” in Orlando, where 80 families learned to distinguish medicine from candy; outreach at Gainesville’s Grove Street Farmers Market with over 50 families learning about medication safety at home; and collaborations with Gainesville-area Boy Scouts to educate local students about safe medication use.
APhA-ASP divides its chapters into eight regions throughout the country. UF is among 28 pharmacy colleges in the southeastern United States represented in Region 3.
Operation Diabetes Chairs
Alejandra Nogueira, Amanda Morningstar, Jose Díaz González, Kyle De Palma, Hannah Jones, and Chassidy Mcnaughton
Operation OTC Medication Safety Chairs
Makay Neves, Eve De Rosa, Matthew Mckinney, Andrea Sicat, Rosalyn Garcia, Jordan McIntire, and Patricia Rivera