As the public’s most accessible health care provider, pharmacists can play a significant role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, studies have already demonstrated the value of pharmacists in improving cardiovascular outcomes. In 2009, a trial published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that collaboration between physicians and pharmacists resulted in better control of hypertension, the most common CVD and a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

As future health care professionals and patient advocates, student pharmacists can support these efforts and address an unmet need in public health by helping patients identify and understand their risks for CVD. Through public awareness, community outreach, and patient-specific education on cardiovascular risk factors, student pharmacists can empower patients to take control of their health and prevent cardiovascular disease before it starts.

Through participation in Operation Heart student pharmacist will work in their communities to encourage lifestyle modifications, monitor associated risk factors, and provide education about medications for heart disease.

Program Results

Operation Heart was launched as an official APhA-ASP National Patient Care project in 2010. During the 2019-2020 campaign student pharmacists achieved the following results:

• 127 chapters participated
• 15,630 student pharmacists participated
• 874 faculty and staff members participated
• 889 pharmacists participated
• 1,125 Operation Heart events conducted
• 62,960 patients screened
• 3,250 patients referred to their primary care provider
• 91,556 patients received health and wellness services
• 3,424,762 individuals reached through public relations initiatives

APhA-ASP recognizes each chapter that implements an Operation Heart program in their community. One Chapter from each of the eight APhA-ASP regions are recognized during Midyear Regional Meetings. In addition, the eight regional winners, along with one national winner, and two national runners-up are recognized during during the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition at the APhA-ASP Opening General Session and in Student Pharmacist magazine. 

Recognition will be awarded to the top chapters nationally at the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition. Chapters receive the following cash awards:

National Award Winning Chapter = $1,000
National 1st Runner-up = $750
National 2nd Runner-up = $500
Regional Award Winning Chapters - Regions 1-8 = $250 

Operation Heart Report Submission

To be considered for regional and national awards for APhA-ASP Operation Heart activities, chapters can complete an essay and submit a separate chronological list for the project events (e.g. Operation Heart Chronological List) within the APhA-ASP Chapter Achievement Report form. Guidelines and information on the submission process can be found within the APhA-ASP Chapter Achievement Report information. 

Operation Heart Regional and National Award Recipients

We are excited to announce the 2019-2020 Overall National Patient Care Project Results. Join us in celebrating the 2019-2020 Operation Heart Regional Award Recipients! The national awards will be announced at APhA2021. 

Region 1 Award: University at Buffalo The State University of New York School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Region 2 Award: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Region 3 Award: The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center College of Pharmacy

Region 4 Award: University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Region 5 Award: University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy

Region 6 Award: University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy

Region 7 Award: Oregon State University College of Pharmacy

Region 8 Award: The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy

APhA-ASP Operation Heart is supported by Walgreens.