Being engaged in community relations, and helping to develop partnerships and foster collaboration between the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio, and other key community stakeholders is another area of involvement for the nature of my fellowship. Through collaborative and collective efforts among organizations and agencies, various social and economic disparities within the Columbus community have been addressed. Addressing issues related to access to healthcare, health, and wellness in the community has been a growing and ongoing focus here in Franklin County. Consequently, this has been evident through the formation of the Greater Columbus Infant Mortality Task Force and other community initiatives focused on addressing unique challenges related to health and education in Franklin County, and ways to discover opportunities for change. The Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio is involved in these ongoing discussions. Accordingly, last week, I had meetings at Columbus Public Health with Assistant Health Commissioner, Medical Director Dr. Mysheika Williams Roberts, Kelli Hykes, Director of Public Health Policy at Columbus Public Health, and also Nichole Dunn, President and CEO of The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. The meetings at Columbus Public Health provided me with a better understanding of various initiatives and programs within the community that are in place to address concerns with health and access to healthcare. Correspondingly, in the meeting with Nichole Dunn, who was an appointed member of the Greater Columbus Infant Mortality Task Force, we discussed a range of issues related to access in the community, with a focus on women and girls. From all meetings, there will be future conversations related to health awareness, collaboration and development.

Dr. Mysheika Williams Roberts and I. Dr. Roberts is the Assistant Health Commissioner, Medical Director of Columbus Public Health.

I really enjoyed the Etiquette Luncheon at The Columbus Foundation a couple weeks ago. And, over the weekend, I was able to put my dinner etiquette skills to the test. While in Cleveland, OH, I went to Pier W, which is a restaurant that overlooks Lake Erie. I enjoyed Lobster Bisque, Wild Alaskan Salmon and Steamed Vegetables, and Cheesecake. I’m glad I could work on polishing my dinner etiquette, and I look forward to what Learning Session is in place this week at The Columbus Foundation!

Lobster Bisque, Wild Alaskan Salmon and Steamed Vegetables from Pier W in Lakewood, OH.