Pharmacist-Led Team Provides COVID-Related Services to Homeless Shelter

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Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy (COP) students and faculty have partnered with the City of Victorville, California, and Symba Center, a local free clinic, to expand shelter operations and oversee healthcare services. Initiated on March 23, a pharmacist-led team that includes physicians, pharmacy students, nursing students, and social workers has been screening and quarantining homeless persons. ACCP member Shawn R. Smith, Pharm.D., a clinical faculty member at the COP, reports that the team triages and refers patients for emergency medical care when clinically indicated. They ensure that staff and volunteers have adequate PPE (acquired through donations) and are trained on personal safety to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including use of N-95 masks. The team has developed written health policies, provided staff and volunteer training sessions, and performed health screenings and COVID-19 testing.