UB pharmacist recognized for efforts in fighting prescription drug abuse

Karl Fiebelkorn, senior associate dean for student, professional and community affairs in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, received the 2018 Cardinal Health Generation Rx Champions Award from the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York (PSSNY).

The award, which honors a pharmacist who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to raising awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse, was presented last month at the PSSNY Annual Convention in Buffalo.

Fiebelkorn helped pioneer the local drug take-back effort through the formation of the Western New York Drug Disposal Committee. The program has expanded to include hospitals, town halls, schools and fire departments across 32 sites in Western New York, providing citizens the opportunity to dispose of unused drugs responsibly.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency used the program as a framework for its National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

He has also supported student advocacy in the fight against opioid addiction through partnerships with Erie County Crisis Services and by encouraging student participation in community health fairs and local drug take-back efforts.

Fiebelkorn is a member and officer of several professional organizations, and has received numerous awards, including the 2014 Bowl of Hygeia Award from the American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations. The Bowl of Hygeia is considered one of the nation’s most prestigious awards in the profession for community service.

He earned both a bachelor’s degree of pharmacy and a master’s degree of business administration from UB.