A collaboration between Charles E. Henley, DO, MS, MPH, FAAFP, FACOFP, 
associate dean for clinical studies at Marian University and Trish Devine, Pharm.D., associate professor of pharmacy practice at Butler University, has led to a student chapter of the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA).
This month, 71 students from both universities came together for the inaugural meeting at the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences. The students come from diverse fields of study, including Marian University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and Leighton School of Nursing and Butler University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Physician Assistant Program.
“The diversity represented by the different schools and colleges within the universities offer excellent opportunities for interprofessional education and training, and this is one of the first times I have seen students from various educational programs all supporting a specific goal, rural health,” said Dr. Henley.
This newly-created chapter also creates an emphasis group directed toward rural and underserved communities, an important part of Marian University’s mission and the legacy of the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Indiana.
Organized in 1997, the Indiana Rural Health Association aims to enhance the health and well-being of rural populations in Indiana through leadership, education, advocacy, collaboration, and resource development.