The USC chapter of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association has been officially recognized by the Associated Students of Pharmacy.

The student affiliate of the National Pharmaceutical Association dedicates itself to minority representation in pharmacy and other health care fields. The new chapter will play a part in the School of Pharmacy’s diversity initiative and reach out to current and prospective students of color.

The chapter will take part in outreach activities such as the “Operation Immunization” campaign, the “Power to End Stroke/Smoking Cessation” and “Remember the Ribbon,” a national program aimed at promoting AIDS education. The chapter also will join forces with the Pharmacy Explorers Program, launched by the school in November, to introduce area high school students to careers in pharmacy.

Members of the chapter will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, promote active participation in national health care issues, develop the role of the minority health professional, and increase community awareness and understanding of diseases. In addition, members are eligible to receive scholarships from the Student National Pharmaceutical Association .

The association’s officers of the USC chapter include Pharm.D. students Yazmin O’Quinn, president; Chandra Smallwood, president-elect; Ryan Martinez, secretary; Karla Martinez, treasurer; and Cynthia Mercado, historian.