Poor African-Americans living in urban areas have the worst
health of any ethnic group in the United States. Low-income urban
dwellers have the fastest growing rates of HIV infection in the
U.S. population.
We are once again a country of im migrants, the majority of whom
flock to our cities. Whether here legally or not, many do not seek
medical treatment for fear of deportation. Language barriers, as
well as cultural traditions and attitudes, prevent many from
addressing health issues until they are very sick.
The challenges facing health care professionals in urban areas
are substantial. Pharmacists, with their front-line
interaction with consumers in numerous settings and their
specialized skills, have a major role to play in alleviating the
suffering of low-income urban residents. The academic and community
service opportunities we offer at St. John’s prepare students to
create solutions that will, in the tradition of St. Vincent de
Paul, open the door to health and well-being for those most in
need.