Implementation and outcomes of a statewide TBI screening program for underserved populations.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation and outcomes of a unique traumatic brain injury (TBI) screening initiative serving the community, with a focus on underserved populations. Idaho's definition of underserved populations includes people living in rural/frontier areas, people experiencing homelessness or intimate partner violence, people with co-occurring disorders, and people with cultural and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds. The goals of screenings are to help participants gain awareness about the likelihood of having experienced a TBI, bridge the gap in TBI reporting, and provide needed support to underserved populations in a rural state. Our work represents a cross-sectional study. Beginning in 2014, TBI screenings were conducted by the Institute of Rural Health within a public health university with several internal and external partners, as well as grant funding for work. Trained interprofessional health students and/or members of the Institute of Rural Health performed TBI screenings using the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method-Interview Form. Those who screened as likely experiencing a TBI received resources for care and follow-up telephone calls. Data were collected on the number of individuals screened and their results and reported using descriptive statistics. From 2014 to 2022, a total of 1333 individuals were screened at 23 different community events across Idaho. Over 30% of screened individuals reported a history of head or neck injury, primarily due to falls and being hit by objects. The majority of identified cases of TBI were characterized by no loss of consciousness or <30 min of unconsciousness. Screenings targeting underserved populations showed higher TBI prevalence. Targeting underserved populations proved valuable in identifying TBI cases. The collaborative and interprofessional approach of this screening is unique and highlights the potential to address complex health issues effectively. These findings offer valuable insights for others implementing TBI screening programs in community settings.

Cross-training pharmacy personnel as community health workers.

Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health professionals who assist in bridging patients with resources and other health care team members. There is an increase in demand for CHWs, and cross-training pharmacy personnel (technicians, pharmacists) as CHWs can help with this demand. With the vital role that pharmacy team members already play in their communities, cross-training provides greater potential to help address patients' medication barriers, such as improving medication adherence. Several factors, such as the best implementation model, willingness of pharmacy personnel to take on additional roles, and service reimbursement and sustainability, should be taken into consideration for implementation. Given the potential benefits, CHW training can become another asset for pharmacy personnel to elevate patient care and reduce health care barriers faced by many patients.

Cross-Training Pharmacy Professionals as Community Health Workers.

Community health workers (CHWs) are health professionals that connect the populations they serve to health services. They play a valuable role in assessing patients' needs, linking patients with health and human resources, educating patients toward achieving optimal health, and advocating for their patients to have accessible resources to improve their health and wellbeing. Pharmacies are readily accessible and frequently utilized health locations that could employ CHWs. We describe a program to cross-train pharmacy professionals as CHWs. Pharmacy professionals were recruited to sign up for a 13-week CHW core competencies course that was offered in partnership with the state university Continuing Education Workforce Training. From March 2022 to June 2023, 23 pharmacy professionals completed the course. Post-course and program evaluations were completed by 10 participants, and they showed positive responses to their participation in the program. Participants appreciated learning the role of a CHW, and noted increased skills, and awareness of additional tools and resources. Participants reported 47 referrals to chronic disease programs and community resources. The program pilot results show successful partnerships for cross-training pharmacy professionals as CHWs. Cross-trained pharmacy professionals provide benefits to the communities they serve, by being a valuable resource for their patients.

Flourishing and the Prioritization of Workplace Elements in General Surgery Residents.

INTRODUCTION: To explore and begin to operationalize workplace elements that influence general surgery (GS) resident wellbeing. Tailoring workplace wellbeing interventions is critical to their success. Occupational science has revealed that a person-centered approach to identifying positive and negative workplace influences can inform tailoring while accounting for individual differences. To our knowledge, this approach has not been applied to the surgical training environment. METHODS: A national sample of GS residents from 16 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education training programs ranked the importance of workplace elements via an anonymous survey. Latent profile analysis was performed to identify shared patterns of workplace element prioritization and their relation to levels of flourishing, a measure of global wellbeing. RESULTS: GS trainee respondents (n = 300, 34% response rate - average for studies with this sample population) expressed a hierarchy of workplace element importance which differed by gender and race. "Skills to manage stress" and "a team you feel a part of" were prioritized higher by non-males than males. Residents of color and residents underrepresented in medicine, respectively, prioritized "recognition of work/effort" and "skills to manage stress" more than White and overrepresented in medicine residents. Flourishing prevalence varied by 40% with small differences in the specific profile of workplace element prioritization. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in prioritization of workplace elements reveal subtle but important differences that may guide the design of wellbeing interventions for different populations within surgery.

Using National Survey Data: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Surveys with Questions on Chronic Diseases and Social Determinants of Health.

Surveys are a common tool utilized by organizations and researchers to collect data and evaluate various populations. This project aimed to consolidate a list of national health surveys to make the data source identification process easier when utilizing survey data. A cross-sectional analysis of currently available national survey data was conducted using information from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website. Surveys were assessed for inclusion criteria, and then data on diagnosis of chronic diseases and social determinants of health (SDoH) were extracted from included surveys. A total of 39 data sources were identified. After screening, 16 surveys met inclusion criteria and were included in the extraction process. This project identified 16 national health surveys containing questions related to chronic disease(s) and SDoH, which can be used to answer clinical, educational, and research questions. National surveys presented cover a broad range of topics, and these surveys may meet a variety of user needs.

Community Pharmacy Credentialing for Medical Insurance to Facilitate Sustainability in COVID-19 Testing.

Background: In April 2020, pharmacists were added as medical providers under Idaho Medicaid in response to recent scope expansion for pharmacists and to increase beneficiaries' access to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing and services. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted expedited Medicaid enrollment for pharmacists but did not address coverage of medical services provided to privately insured individuals for pharmacy-based testing services. Objective: This study aimed to describe processes used by independently owned, community-based pharmacies in Idaho to credential with private insurers and report outcomes. Methods: Relevant information and forms required to credential with the four major payers in the state of Idaho were collected. Packets were obtained via medical insurers' websites and by direct contact. Questions that arose from community pharmacists during the submission process were collected and answered on a shared spreadsheet, and insurance representatives were contacted directly to resolve questions. Results: Eight out of 13 participating pharmacies submitted an average of three credentialing packets for their facilities. Thirty-five pharmacists also submitted an average of four credentialing packets for themselves. As of mid-May 2021, nearly 20 weeks after submission, only 67 out of 129 pharmacists had received word regarding the status of their applications. Less than half of all pharmacist applications were approved (after their first attempt). Conclusion: Efforts to support the education of both pharmacists and medical insurers may streamline the credentialing processes in the future.

Serving underserved Hispanic populations: Practical strategies for pharmacy professionals.

As pharmacy professionals and health care systems serve diverse patient populations, especially in continued efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019, racial and ethnic disparities must be acknowledged and addressed. The authors share a collaboration between a nonprofit immunization coalition and college of pharmacy to provide mobile coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination clinics to communities across Idaho that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The goal of this commentary is to share experiences providing vaccination services for the Hispanic community and discuss strategies for pharmacy professionals to provide more equitable care. Through clinical experience and listening sessions to address vaccine hesitancy, several themes emerged that could be categorized into the following: convenience, complacency, and confidence. Suggestions to overcome vaccine hesitancy include hosting events at work sites, bilingual communication techniques, targeted education, and collaboration with trusted community partners. Additional considerations in implementing more equitable care include creating a culturally competent workforce, combatting vaccine misinformation, and finding sustainable ways to continue community partnerships to provide ongoing and expanding services. Utilizing unique approaches to serve the stated needs of a Hispanic population is essential to providing equitable health care to all members of a community.

Exploring barriers and facilitators to pharmacist-provided diabetes self-management education and support.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacists have the necessary clinical experience and medication knowledge to effectively provide diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES); however, barriers exist to DSMES implementation by community pharmacists. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore DSMES from the community pharmacists' perspectives, identify barriers and facilitators to pharmacist DSMES implementation, and guide development of pharmacist-provided DSMES programs in Idaho. METHODS: Implementation climate, the theoretical framework for this project, is focused on how community pharmacists in Idaho perceive they will be supported by patients, health care providers, and insurers in DSMES implementation. Pharmacist investigators with qualitative research experience conducted semistructured interviews with 6 licensed community pharmacists from Idaho via Zoom between March and June 2020. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using HyperRESEARCH 4.5.1. Themes, patterns, and dominant concepts that emerged from respondents' about DSMES were explored, labeled, and categorized into modifiable and nonmodifiable barriers and facilitators. This study was granted expedited approval by the Idaho State University Investigational Review Board. RESULTS: Relevant themes included current scope of practice, barriers, and facilitators. Subthemes related to the current scope of pharmacy practice included unclear roles and responsibilities and legislative constraints to practice. For barriers, subthemes included cost of set-up, billing and coding education, and the sustainability of services based on current reimbursement models. For facilitators, subthemes included the need for additional collaborations (external and internal), technology access, and trained pharmacy staff. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists are underutilized health care providers, capable of providing DSMES services if provided the necessary resources. This work identifies barriers and facilitators to pharmacist-led DSMES that can be considered by others when implementing DSMES or other disease management services.

Evaluating Pharmacists' Time Collecting Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Data.

Background: Patients on intensive insulin regimens are encouraged to self-monitor blood glucose (SMBG) to optimize their therapy. Clinical pharmacist practitioners (CPPs) use SMBG data to adjust diabetes medications; however, collecting SMBG data from patients is seen anecdotally as time intensive. Methods: CPPs involved in diabetes management on primary care teams at the Boise Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Idaho were asked to estimate and record the following: SMBG data collection method, time spent collecting data, extra time spent documenting or formatting SMBG readings, total patient visit time, and visit type. For total patient visit time, pharmacists were asked to estimate only time spent discussing diabetes care and collecting SMBG data. Data were collected for 1 week using a standardized spreadsheet distributed to 24 CPPs. Results: Eight pharmacists provided data from 120 patient encounters. For all encounters, the mean time spent collecting SMBG data was 3.3 minutes, and completing additional documentation/formatting was 1.3 minutes for a total of 4.6 minutes. Patient visits lasted a mean 20.1 minutes; 16% was spent on data collection and 6% on documentation and formatting. Conclusions: At the Boise Veterans Affairs Medical Center, CPPs spend relatively little time per patient collecting SMBG data for clinical use. However, this time can be substantial when multiplied over several patient encounters. Opportunities exist to increase efficiency in SMBG data collection and documentation.

Artificial Intelligence in Health Care-Understanding Patient Information Needs and Designing Comprehensible Transparency: Qualitative Study.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is as a branch of computer science that uses advanced computational methods such as machine learning (ML), to calculate and/or predict health outcomes and address patient and provider health needs. While these technologies show great promise for improving healthcare, especially in diabetes management, there are usability and safety concerns for both patients and providers about the use of AI/ML in healthcare management. Objectives: To support and ensure safe use of AI/ML technologies in healthcare, the team worked to better understand: 1) patient information and training needs, 2) the factors that influence patients' perceived value and trust in AI/ML healthcare applications; and 3) on how best to support safe and appropriate use of AI/ML enabled devices and applications among people living with diabetes. Methods: To understand general patient perspectives and information needs related to the use of AI/ML in healthcare, we conducted a series of focus groups (n=9) and interviews (n=3) with patients (n=40) and interviews with providers (n=6) in Alaska, Idaho, and Virginia. Grounded Theory guided data gathering, synthesis, and analysis. Thematic content and constant comparison analysis were used to identify relevant themes and sub-themes. Inductive approaches were used to link data to key concepts including preferred patient-provider-interactions, patient perceptions of trust, accuracy, value, assurances, and information transparency. Results: Key summary themes and recommendations focused on: 1) patient preferences for AI/ML enabled device and/or application information; 2) patient and provider AI/ML-related device and/or application training needs; 3) factors contributing to patient and provider trust in AI/ML enabled devices and/or application; and 4) AI/ML-related device and/or application functionality and safety considerations. A number of participant (patients and providers) recommendations to improve device functionality to guide information and labeling mandates (e.g., links to online video resources, and access to 24/7 live in-person or virtual emergency support). Other patient recommendations include: 1) access to practice devices; 2) connection to local supports and reputable community resources; 3) simplified display and alert limits. Conclusion: Recommendations from both patients and providers could be used by Federal Oversight Agencies to improve utilization of AI/ML monitoring of technology use in diabetes, improving device safety and efficacy.

Factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy and reduced vaccine confidence in rural underserved populations.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of infectious diseases, and reduce mortality and morbidity in rural areas. Waning public confidence in vaccines, especially the COVID-19 vaccine, remains a cause for concern. A number of individuals in the US and worldwide remain complacent, choosing not to be vaccinated and/or delay COVID-19 vaccination, resulting in suboptimal herd immunity. The primary goal of this study is to identify modifiable factors contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among vaccine-eligible individuals with access to vaccines in two under-resourced rural states, Alaska and Idaho. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with providers and focus groups with community participants in Alaska and Idaho. A moderator's guide was used to facilitate interviews and focus groups conducted and recorded using Zoom and transcribed verbatim. Thematic, qualitative analysis was conducted using QDA Miner. Themes and subthemes that emerged were labeled, categorized, and compared to previously described determinants of general vaccine hesitancy: established contextual, individual and/or social influences, vaccine and vaccination-specific concerns. Themes (n = 9) and sub-themes (n = 51) identified during the qualitative analysis highlighted a factor's contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and poor vaccine uptake. Relevant influenceable factors were grouped into three main categories: confidence, complacency, and convenience. Vaccines are effective public health interventions to promote health and prevent diseases in rural areas. Practical solutions to engage healthcare providers, researchers, vaccine advocates, vaccine manufacturers, and other partners in local communities are needed to increase public trust in immunization systems to achieve community immunity.

Impact of local anesthesia block on pain medication use and length of hospital stay in elderly indigenous patients in Alaska hospitalized for fragility fracture.

Introduction: Fragility fractures (low-energy, minimal-trauma fractures) are common in the aging population and can lead to decreased function, increased mortality, and long-lasting pain. Although opioids are helpful in reducing acute postoperative pain, they present risks that may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of medical records of all Alaska Native and American Indian people older than 50 years, who received surgery for hip fracture repair between January 2018 and June 2019 (n = 128). Results: We found that receipt of a peripheral nerve block (PNB) is a predictor for decreased length of hospital stay. However, receipt of PNB did not predict a reduction in postoperative morphine milligram equivalents opioid doses. Discussion: Further study is required to determine whether one PNB method is superior to others based on individual-level characteristics.

Patient-Guided Talking Points to Address COVID-19 and General Vaccine Hesitancy.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to limit spread of disease. Waning public confidence in COVID-19 vaccines has resulted in reduced vaccination rates. In fact, despite vaccine availability, many individuals choose to delay COVID-19 vaccination resulting in suboptimal herd immunity and increased viral mutations. A number of qualitative and quantitative studies have been conducted to identify, understand, and address modifiable barriers and factors contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among individuals with access to vaccine. Vaccine confidence may be improved through targeted patient-provider discussion. More patients are turning to pharmacists to receive their vaccinations across the lifespan. The primary goal of this commentary is to share evidence-based, patient talking points, tailored by practicing pharmacists, to better communicate and address factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy and reduced vaccine confidence.

Influences, Barriers, and Facilitators to COVID-19 Vaccination: Cross-sectional Survey on Vaccine Hesitancy in 2 Rural States.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of infectious diseases such as that caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19. Unfortunately, vaccination hesitancy continues to be a threat to national and global health. Further research is necessary to determine the modifiable and nonmodifiable factors contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in under-resourced, underserved, and at-risk rural and urban communities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify, understand, and address modifiable barriers and factors contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among vaccine-eligible individuals with access to the vaccine in Alaska and Idaho. METHODS: An electronic survey based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group on Experts (SAGE) on Immunization survey tool and investigators' previous work was created and distributed in June 2021 and July 2021. To be eligible to participate in the survey, individuals had to be ≥18 years of age and reside in Alaska or Idaho. Responses were grouped into 4 mutually exclusive cohorts for data analysis and reporting based on intentions to be vaccinated. Respondent characteristics and vaccine influences between cohorts were compared using Chi-square tests and ANOVA. Descriptive statistics were also used. RESULTS: There were data from 736 usable surveys with 40 respondents who did not intend to be vaccinated, 27 unsure of their intentions, 8 who intended to be fully vaccinated with no doses received, and 661 fully vaccinated or who intended to be vaccinated with 1 dose received. There were significant differences in characteristics and influences between those who were COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant and those who had been vaccinated. Concerns related to possible side effects, enough information on long-term side effects, and enough information that is specific to the respondent's health conditions were seen in those who did not intend to be fully vaccinated and unsure about vaccination. In all cohorts except those who did not intend to be fully vaccinated, more information about how well the vaccine works was a likely facilitator to vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: These survey results from 2 rural states indicate that recognition of individual characteristics may influence vaccine choices. However, these individual characteristics represent only a starting point to delivering tailored messages that should come from trusted sources to address vaccination barriers.

Bleeding Risk With Combination Intrapleural Fibrinolytic and Enzyme Therapy in Pleural Infection: An International, Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Combination intrapleural fibrinolytic and enzyme therapy (IET) has been established as a therapeutic option in pleural infection. Despite demonstrated efficacy, studies specifically designed and adequately powered to address complications are sparse. The safety profile, the effects of concurrent therapeutic anticoagulation, and the nature and extent of nonbleeding complications remain poorly defined. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the bleeding complication risk associated with IET use in pleural infection? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective observational study conducted in 24 centers across the United States and the United Kingdom. Protocolized data collection for 1,851 patients treated with at least one dose of combination IET for pleural infection between January 2012 and May 2019 was undertaken. The primary outcome was the overall incidence of pleural bleeding defined using pre hoc criteria. RESULTS: Overall, pleural bleeding occurred in 76 of 1,833 patients (4.1%; 95% CI, 3.0%-5.0%). Using a half-dose regimen (tissue plasminogen activator, 5 mg) did not change this risk significantly (6/172 [3.5%]; P = .68). Therapeutic anticoagulation alongside IET was associated with increased bleeding rates (19/197 [9.6%]) compared with temporarily withholding anticoagulation before administration of IET (3/118 [2.6%]; P = .017). As well as systemic anticoagulation, increasing RAPID score, elevated serum urea, and platelets of < 100 × 109/L were associated with a significant increase in bleeding risk. However, only RAPID score and use of systemic anticoagulation were independently predictive. Apart from pain, non-bleeding complications were rare. INTERPRETATION: IET use in pleural infection confers a low overall bleeding risk. Increased rates of pleural bleeding are associated with concurrent use of anticoagulation but can be mitigated by withholding anticoagulation before IET. Concomitant administration of IET and therapeutic anticoagulation should be avoided. Parameters related to higher IET-related bleeding have been identified that may lead to altered risk thresholds for treatment.

States' pharmacist immunization authority and the impact on adult influenza vaccination rates.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacist-provided vaccinations are cost effective, readily accessible, and support the efforts of our nation's public health goals. Pharmacist authority to administer vaccines varies state by state, and these authorities may have an impact on state influenza vaccination rates. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of varied state pharmacist immunization authorities on adult and older adult influenza vaccination rates for the 2018-2019 influenza season. METHODS: Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, multiple logistic regression was performed to determine how pharmacist state immunization authority predicts influenza vaccination. Immunization authority was categorized into one of 3 mutually exclusive groups: independent authority, statewide protocol or standing order, or collaborative practice agreement (CPA). RESULTS: Results in the overall adult population showed a statistically significant lower adjusted odds of influenza vaccination in states with independent authority (0.937, 95% CI [0.889-0.986]) or statewide protocol or standing order (0.947, [0.906-0.990]), versus CPAs. In the older adult population, there was not a statistically significant difference in immunization between states with independent authority and those with CPA. CONCLUSION: Although pharmacists are authorized to administer influenza vaccines, other factors (e.g., resources, service offerings, social determinants) including administrative barriers in pharmacist immunization authority are possibly limiting increases in influenza vaccination rates.

A translation control module coordinates germline stem cell differentiation with ribosome biogenesis during Drosophila oogenesis.

Ribosomal defects perturb stem cell differentiation, and this is the cause of ribosomopathies. How ribosome levels control stem cell differentiation is not fully known. Here, we discover that three DExD/H-box proteins govern ribosome biogenesis (RiBi) and Drosophila oogenesis. Loss of these DExD/H-box proteins, which we name Aramis, Athos, and Porthos, aberrantly stabilizes p53, arrests the cell cycle, and stalls germline stem cell (GSC) differentiation. Aramis controls cell-cycle progression by regulating translation of mRNAs that contain a terminal oligo pyrimidine (TOP) motif in their 5' UTRs. We find that TOP motifs confer sensitivity to ribosome levels that are mediated by La-related protein (Larp). One such TOP-containing mRNA codes for novel nucleolar protein 1 (Non1), a conserved p53 destabilizing protein. Upon a sufficient ribosome concentration, Non1 is expressed, and it promotes GSC cell-cycle progression via p53 degradation. Thus, a previously unappreciated TOP motif in Drosophila responds to reduced RiBi to co-regulate the translation of ribosomal proteins and a p53 repressor, coupling RiBi to GSC differentiation.

Billing and Coding: Disparities in Healthcare Provider Training.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, healthcare providers document and code healthcare encounters and submit claims to insurers for reimbursement. Most providers eligible for individual-level insurer reimbursement do not receive coding/billing training. The purpose of this commentary is to provide an overview of training disparities. METHODS: The top 100 universities within five healthcare disciplines (dietetics, nursing, pharmacy, social work, medicine) were asked about available didactic curriculum and coding resources provided during training. Results were compared across disciplines, by geographic region, funding mechanism, and size. RESULTS: Twenty-seven percent of schools/universities contacted participated; the response was greater among public institutions (73%) and varied by discipline. Coverage of coding/billing in the didactic curriculum varied: it was covered in 40 dietetics programs (93%), 23 nursing programs (57%), and 14 pharmacy programs (28%). None of the 36 social work programs covered coding/billing, and only 5% of the 20 medical schools did. No statistically significant differences by region or funding were noted; however, coverage of coding/billing in the curriculum did differ by discipline (p<0.0001). DISCUSSION: Upon graduation, healthcare providers may be ill-prepared to code/bill for services. This knowledge is crucial for sustainable health service provision and does not appear to be consistently provided within curriculum to healthcare students. Further study is needed to understand and address this training gap.

Developing sustainable workflows for community pharmacy-based SARS-CoV-2 testing.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease Rapid Antigen Testing Expansion Program (Program) employed a drive-thru model to maximize pharmacy staff and the public's safety. OBJECTIVES: To quickly design, implement, and disseminate a pharmacy-based point-of-care testing program during a public health crisis. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Community pharmacies in Idaho were engaged in the state's public health efforts to boost severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 testing statewide. Geographic location was a major recruitment factor. Two recruitment periods were held to extend the Program's reach into more remote underserved communities. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Program and pharmacy staff developed workflows and materials in an iterative process. Pharmacies received testing supplies. Program staff created e-Care plans for documentation and reimbursement and designed a Web portal for state reporting of positive rapid antigen test results. EVALUATION METHODS: Testing data (pharmacy location, patient insurance status, test type and results, number of submitted Medicaid claims) were captured in an online form. RESULTS: From September to December 2020, 13 pharmacies opted into a drive-thru, rapid antigen point-of-care testing and nasal swab for offsite testing program. A total of 2425 tests were performed. Approximately 29.4% of point-of-care tests were positive, and 70.6% required backup polymerase chain reaction confirmatory analysis. Patient insurance breakdown was 72.1% private, 8% Medicare, 11.4% Medicaid, and 8.5% uninsured. On average, pharmacies tested patients an average of 2.3 hours/day and 2.6 days/week. As a group, they provided 77.5 hours of testing per week statewide. Program pharmacies accounted for an average of 5.1% of testing across the entire state at the end of December 2020. CONCLUSION: Independent community-based pharmacies should be considered as partners in public health initiatives.