Walgreens helps UH Hilo College of Pharmacy with diversity initiative funding

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy has received a $7,000 check from retail pharmacy Walgreens to fund a diversity initiative at the University. An additional $5,000 will go toward scholarships to students in the Pharm.D. professional program.

This is the ninth year DKICP has received funding from Walgreens for diversity. The funds have sponsored educational programs such as a tour of health care facilities at Kalaupapa on Molokai.

Walgreens began the diversity program in 2009 to donate $1 million annually toward diversity initiatives at all of the more than 100 accredited pharmacy schools nationwide.

Eleanor Wong, Walgreens Area Healthcare Supervisor for the San Francisco Peninsula/Hawaiʻi region, presented the check to Dean Carolyn Ma at Walgreens specialty store on Oʻahu. DKICP alum Quinn Taira from the Class of 2011 and Amy Song, Class of 2012, who both work at the retail store, were in attendance along with Heidi Ho-Muniz, District Manager for Walgreens Pharmacy and Retail Operations.

“We are grateful for this initiative that has helped our student pharmacists through the years and strengthened our own commitment to promoting and embracing diversity,” Ma said.