Most people’s ideal Saturday doesn’t include running a 5K at eight in the morning.

Although the idea of running in the wee hours of the morning might seem miserable, the satisfaction of helping thousands of people have access to health care outweighs the lack of sleep.

The College of Pharmacy hosted their fifth annual Poor Man’s Run last Saturday.

Directly after the Poor Man’s Run was a jambalaya cook-off.

Both events raised money for a local nonprofit pharmacy, St. Vincent DePaul Community Pharmacy.

SVDP is one of over 1,200 free health clinics that the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics has created across the country. It has filled more than 230,000 prescriptions and reached over 7,200 patients, according to the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.

Mr. ULM, Jared Anders, said between donations and sales, the race raised over $8,500. After race expenses are subtracted, the remainder of the money will be donated to SVDP.

“At SVDP every $1 donated is equivalent to $14.50 worth of prescription drugs,” Anders said. “No one should have to choose between keeping their lights on and taking their medicine, so that is where SVDP is able to make such a huge impact.”

Many of the 5K winners agreed with Anders that people should not have to choose between having their medication and basic life necessities, which is why they raced in

the first place.
Baylor Picard, the first place overall male winner, said he

decided to participate because “there are a lot of people that are in our area who need medicine that they cannot afford.”

Jambalaya is not usually a breakfast food, but racers enjoyed $5 all-you-can-eat jambalaya made by fellow students and members of the community.

Even though the cooks were competing against each other, they had fun sharing their recipes while raising money for a good cause.

The College of Pharmacy awarded two winning teams. Judges’ Pick was won by Taylor Pollard, Andy Boothe, and Jeremy Boothe. The People’s Choice award went to ULM student Blair Guillory.

Guillory said he participated in the event because SVDP helps him with his nonprofit, so it only felt right to give back to them when he had the chance.

Guillory’s nonprofit, Freshe Environment, helps collect and redistribute test strips to people who are diabetic and can’t afford them.

“[SVDP] helps Freshe Environment by allowing us to use their facility as a drop-off location for diabetic supplies. They also help with donation collection and storage for my test strips and lancets,” Guillory said. “The money raised will go beyond measures and potentially save a patient’s life, and to me, that’s the most important thing when it comes to having events such as the Poor Man’s Run.”