Pharmacy students, staff reflect on impact of Florida A&M-Optum Rx partnership focused on culturally relevant care

In 2023, Optum Rx partnered with FAMU to introduce a scholarship program to support 17 students in the school’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health.

The program aims to increase diverse representation in the pharmacy field and address the ongoing pharmacist shortage while emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant care, ensuring that future pharmacists are equipped to understand and meet the needs of the communities they serve.

From alleviating financial pressures to creating new opportunities, the influence of these scholarships has been truly transformative for these students and their studies.

"The pharmacy and local pharmacists play a crucial role in supporting people's health,” says Corey Coleman, vice president of health equity business enablement at UnitedHealth Group. “This is why Optum Rx remains committed to supporting the needs of retail and independent pharmacies through initiatives that foster a robust pipeline of health care workers. Additionally, care provided by culturally competent clinicians who understand diverse languages, beliefs and attitudes helps build trusting relationships between patients and providers, ultimately reducing disparities in health conditions, experiences and outcomes."

Optum Rx continues to work with FAMU, along with exploring additional partnerships with other educational institutions, to drive equitable provider care at the pharmacy.

The scholarship program is just one initiative that supports community and independent pharmacy. Optum Rx remains committed to these vital pharmacies.

Learn more