Countries all across the globe continue to face the battle of the Ebola virus. This battle is one that is not easily won and many countries rely on others for resources during these hard times.

The Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy saw this as an opportunity to make a difference through acts of service. In fall 2014, the School of Pharmacy held multiple fundraisers in support of the Liberian population, who at the time had been battling the deadly virus for the past nine months.

Fundraisers included a “dress down day” which occurred in September where each pharmacy student, faculty and staff member who wished to dress down could do so for a minimum of $3.00. In total, the “dress down day” raised approximately $2,497.23. In November, infectious diseases pharmacy doctor, Edward Grace, hosted a lecture on Ebola to educate the College as well as the local community on this deadly virus. Those who attended were asked to bring supplies such as hand sanitizer, vitamins, gloves, soap, etc. which were soon packaged and sent to the Embassy of Liberia in Washington D.C. A basketball tournament, “Hoop It For Ebola Victims,” immediately followed the lecture and cost $10.00 per player. Approximately $353.00 was raised during the tournament. All proceeds collected during each fundraiser were donated to Samaritan’s Purse for Ebola relief.

The School of Pharmacy saw the opportunity as health professionals as well as faculty, staff and students of Presbyterian College to educate the local community and students on Ebola while also helping the victims of this deadly disease in Liberia. Because of their tremendous acts of service, the Ambassador of Liberia in the U.S.A. expressed great thanks to the School of Pharmacy for their kind efforts.