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Brookdale Community College Teams Up with Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy

In a groundbreaking move aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility, Brookdale Community College has established a growing partnership with the Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy—the first of its kind in New Jersey. This initiative seeks to improve student health while also fostering educational opportunities, forming a strong alliance focused on community health and academic success.

The collaboration, which has the backing of Brookdale President Dr. David M. Stout, emphasizes the importance of connecting students with critical healthcare resources. Stout mentioned, “Partnerships like this reflect the very best of our mission in action.” The aim is not just to support student academic success but also to uplift the overall health and wellness of the surrounding community.

Founded in 2022, Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy was created to bridge gaps in healthcare access for underserved populations by providing essential medications free of charge. The motivation behind establishing this charitable pharmacy is deeply personal. Founder Ritesh Shah lost his sister, Rena, a fellow pharmacist, to COVID-19 in 2021. During the pandemic, she faced significant hurdles in accessing necessary medical care and medications while coping with diabetes. Ritesh made a promise to his sister to help others facing similar struggles. With that commitment, he founded the pharmacy, ensuring that individuals would not have to experience the same barriers she did to obtain necessary care.

Operating without a cash register, the pharmacy caters to individuals and families who earn at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. It has successfully filled more than $2 million in prescriptions for patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and various mental health issues. In addition to providing medications, the pharmacy is involved in giving vaccinations and offering other vital health services.

Ritesh Shah, now recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Pharmacy in 2026, has consistently demonstrated his dedication to equitable healthcare access and the affordability of medications. He is also the author of the memoir Pills to Purpose: A True Story of a Pharmacist, chronicling his journey in pharmacy and healthcare advocacy.

Through this partnership, students at Brookdale will gain improved access to medical supplies and medication support services aimed at alleviating financial and health-related barriers. This is particularly vital for those who manage chronic illnesses or face economic challenges, allowing them to focus on their academic pursuits without the weight of healthcare concerns.

“By reducing barriers to care, students can concentrate on their studies with one less worry during their college experience,” stated Shah.

In addition to enhancing healthcare access, the partnership offers Brookdale students exceptional experiential learning opportunities. Plans are underway to expand student engagement through internships, educational workshops, and real-world experiences in the pharmacy environment. These initiatives are set to provide students with crucial healthcare experience while simultaneously fostering community support.

For Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy, this collaboration not only illuminates the varied healthcare needs of Brookdale's diverse student population but also enhances its capacity to tailor services accordingly. It forms a direct bridge to emerging healthcare professionals and community leaders.

“This partnership strengthens both education and healthcare delivery by linking learning with tangible community benefits,” Shah commented.

Currently focused on Monmouth County, Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy aims to expand its reach in response to growing demand and additional partnerships. Both Brookdale and the pharmacy leaders foresee strong potential for future collaboration with other Brookdale programs, such as the College’s Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center.

Ritesh Shah, alongside his wife Asha Shah, was honored at the latest Brookdale Community College Foundation Scholarship Bash, recognizing their unwavering commitment to student support and broader community welfare. Their acknowledgment epitomizes the strength and potential of this collaborative effort.

As this partnership evolves, both Brookdale Community College and Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy remain focused on enriching their collaboration. Their joint efforts aim to increase access to essential care, improve health outcomes, and bolster student success, affirming the vital connection between education and community-centered healthcare. This enterprise stands as a quintessential example of how educational entities and community health organizations can unite to foster lasting impacts, ensuring that students thrive both academically and in every facet of their lives.