PR RELEASE: Elderly Prespeciption Drug Educational Awareness Program 8-4-2004

Elderly Prescription Drug Educational Awareness Program

Arab American Family Services
10608 S. Roberts Rd. • Palos Hills, IL • 60465 • 708-974-8084 • 708-974-8086 (fax)

For Immediate Release Contact:
Sophia Shillo-773-552-3762

Sponsored by White Crane Wellness Center & UIC Pharmacy Department/Students

Wednesday, August 4, 2004
10 a.m. – 1:30 a.m.
6000 West 79th Street, Lower Level
Burbank, IL 60459

Arab American Family Services (AAFS) hosts its 3rd Annual Elderly Prescription Drug Awareness Program. The program, sponsored by White Crane Wellness Center (WCWC), brings together community-based organizations, UIC pharmacy students and elderly for an informational and education session.

AAFS (a non-for-profit agency) has been serving Chicago’s Southwest and Southwest Suburban area for over three years. Through extensive outreach to mainstream social service agencies and government agencies, AAFS provides the Arab American community access to information and many much-needed services. Currently, AAFS services a number of programs addressing elderly needs through a grant given by South Suburban Area Agency on Aging. You don’t have to be of Arab descent to take advantage of their programs.

The program on Wednesday, August 4, allows elderly that may not otherwise interact extensively with health professionals to ask questions and get direction on the use of their prescription drugs. Due to language and transportation barriers, this type of exchange is rare. WCWC puts together Arabic speaking pharmacy students with Arab elderly through AAFS’ client base. "White Crane Wellness Center has been a great resource to our elderly helping them stay informed, enlightened and safe with regards to their prescription drugs," said Itedal Shalabi, Director, AAFS.

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