Idaho State University-Meridian to host Health Science Experience Night and Pharmacy Open House Oct. 11

"I was hoping for a T-shirt," laughed Holcomb, a freshman studying pre-nursing in Pocatello.

But when her name was drawn for the top prize—an Apple iPad computer tablet—she was thrilled.  At the touch of a finger, she can access study exams, check email and connect with the campus community without lugging around her laptop.  She says there's more room in her backpack for chemistry and biology books.

This year's Health Science Experience Night and Pharmacy Open House is  Oct. 11, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the ISU-Meridian Health Science Center, 1311 E. Central Drive. Attendees are eligible to enter a drawing for a free iPad. Winning is contingent upon attending Idaho State University.

Holcomb, a graduate of the Idaho Virtual Academy, encourages Treasure Valley students to attend the event.

"ISU has so many different health programs available. This event helps narrow it down," she said. "You can talk to experts who’ll tell you what you need to know about the programs, including prerequisites."

Health Science Experience Night started seven years ago to give Treasure Valley high school students and college transfer students the opportunity to explore health careers and visit with ISU faculty.  Attendees can also participate in medical demonstrations and experience human patient simulation—the use of computerized mannequins to simulate medical scenarios in the real world.

"Health Science Experience Night is a wonderful opportunity for students from the Treasure Valley to delve into the health professions.  They experience hands-on what professionals do in the field each day.  We invite students and parents to participate in this annual event," said ISU-Meridian Enrollment Services Director Ali Crane.

For the third year, ISU-Meridian pharmacy students, in observance of American Pharmacists Month, will hold their annual community Pharmacy Open House and chili cook-off in the L.S. Skaggs Pharmacy Complex.  The meal is $5 and proceeds support pharmacy outreach projects. 

Pharmacy students will conduct free blood pressure checks; provide education about diabetes, heart health, prescription drug abuse and poison prevention; and administer flu shots. The first 25 shots are free.  After that, the cost is $27.99. 

For information about Health Science Experience Night, call 208-373-1702. For information about the Pharmacy Open House, call 208-373-1821.

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