More than 60 University of Houston College of Pharmacy Pharm.D. students engaged in 2,151 service encounters ranging from blood pressure and glucose screenings to wellness education on such topics as nutrition, immunizations, and heart health at the 2026 Houston Mayor's Back 2 School Fest Aug. 1 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
For more than a decade, UHCOP students and preceptors have participated in the annual event that draws thousands of children and their parents or guardians to pick up free school supplies and food, learn about community resources, and utilize on-site services.
UHCOP students provided 246 wellness screenings, including blood pressure, blood glucose and immunization record reviews. Students also engaged in 1,905 educational encounters on topics that included nutrition, diabetes and stroke prevention, medicine vs. candy identification, cardiovascular health, immunizations and more.
"It's really important because it helps us get out into the community before the school year starts, hopefully ease some kids' nerves ," said Kaelyn Alexander, Pharm.D. student and coordinator of the students for the event.
Pharm.D. students were supported by college faculty and staff as well as pharmacy preceptors from the community and Gulf Coast Society of Health-System Pharmacists membership.
"It gives a chance to give back to the community, especially the young children and kind of inspire youth to think about pharmacy and all the different things that pharmacy can impact their lives," said UHCOP Clinical Associate Professor David Wallace, Pharm.D. ('98), who has served at the event since the college became involved in 2012.
