Against the wishes of all pharmacy staff, Oregon State University has made the decision to close the on-campus pharmacy in June. Access to a pharmacy on campus can play a major role in a prospective student’s decision to enroll at Oregon State University. Elimination of pharmacy services sends a disturbing message to potential students: Money is of greater priority than their health. This decision puts the health of the entire Oregon State University community at risk, and is especially dangerous during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The pharmacy is a vital asset to the OSU community and should not so recklessly be discarded. Please save the Oregon State Student Pharmacy and preserve an essential department for student health. 

Loss of Pharmacy Access 

The pharmacy provides a safe, caring, and personal environment for the students, and its location on campus is important for providing easy access to pharmacy services to the entire student population. The pharmacy goes above and beyond for each and every individual student, whether it be by teaching them how to transfer their prescription, or calling their insurance company to get medications covered. Elimination of the pharmacy would put an unnecessary burden on all students who fill prescriptions at the pharmacy and lack reliable transportation to surrounding pharmacies. This will make it more difficult and costly for students to leave the university to fill prescriptions, and students will likely suffer from the reduced access to a pharmacy that communicates closely and directly with providers in the Student Health Services Clinic. Loss of this unique pharmacy would have a widespread impact on all students’ access to pharmacy services. 

Immunizations 

Providing immunizations is one of the most crucial services the pharmacy offers. Incoming students often need to fulfill required immunizations to lift registration holds. During 2017, Oregon State experienced a Meningococcal B outbreak. The Student Health Pharmacy played a crucial role in providing mass immunizations for all students over the 12-month outbreak period. Without an on-campus pharmacy, Oregon State will lack the resources to provide timely and affordable immunizations, especially in the case of a pandemic. This is concerning due the anticipated demand for the flu vaccine and possible COVID-19 vaccine this fall.

CCare

The CCare program provides free hormonal contraception to students for a year at a time. It’s free for any Oregon State female student to enroll in. Without the on-campus pharmacy, students will have very limited access to this program as no other department is prepared for the stock volume and processing this program requires. The impact of the pharmacy closure disproportionately affects women by removing accessible contraception within a community that has high rates of sexual activity. Many students are discovering their sexualities for the first time, and removing an opportunity for students to access contraceptives would be extremely detrimental to their safety and livelihood. The CCare program was designed to empower young women to take control of their reproductive health. What do you think a disruption of this program says about Oregon State University's priorities and stance on gender equality? 

How can Oregon State claim to prioritize providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students yet eliminate their access to healthcare? 

Save the Oregon State Student Pharmacy!