The Ones Strengthening the Heartland

Jay N. Darling Institute

Not only does Drake draw strength from its location within Iowa’s largest urban area, but it’s also in the center of Iowa’s nearly 950 towns and cities. The Jay N. Darling Institute will create partnerships between Drake and the people of rural communities to help bolster the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of rural America.

A Leg Up

Residents had to drive 50 miles round trip for fresh produce when the only grocery store in Manson, Iowa, closed. A group of community members acted. This story shows how Drake can collaborate with rural community members; offering resources, knowledge, and support to create solutions for a more sustainable, competitive, and resilient rural America.

Rural Pharmacy Services

The Drake College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is working with Certintell, a telehealth company founded by a Drake graduate, to help elderly Iowans manage their Medications.

Elderly man receives a vaccination shot at the Drake College of Pharmacy and Health

Drake PharmD students are performing clinical rotations in a call center on the Drake campus. They help to determine the risk of a patient having an adverse reaction to their prescribed medications. A federal grant is helping to fund the call center.

Pharmacy and health students on campus for clinical rotations at a call center on the Drake campus

The call center is one of many ways the Drake College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences provides services to rural Iowa. Many rural Iowa communities are medically underserved and have a high percentage of elderly residents. The Jay N. Darling Institute will seek to expand the services Drake is providing to these Iowans.

Rural Iowa three generation family standing in between farming vehicles
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Advance Social Change

A journalist and conservation activist, Jay N. Darling is most famous for being a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist for The Des Moines Register.

Darling’s footprint went well beyond his work as a cartoonist. He was passionate about advancing social change through journalism, art, and education. He was a tireless advocate for preserving America’s great natural ecosystems and the creator of the Federal Duck Stamp program, which has raised more than $1.11 billion for the protection of wetlands and wildlife habitats.

Darling’s core values fit perfectly with those of Drake University. His ability to build partnerships, produce results, and balance good business with quality of life and respect for nature makes Darling an ideal role model to inspire change for future generations.

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By elevating Drake together, we will secure a more vibrant future for those who follow our footsteps. Join the ones who will transform Drake’s vision into a reality by adding your support to the campaign for the brave & bold.

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