APhA Care of Underserved Patients Community
Connect with a network of members dedicated to improving patient care for underserved populations.
Overview
Engage in discussions, share resources, and collaborate on strategies to expand patient-centered services in
community-based and clinical settings. Stay informed on best practices, reimbursement opportunities, and
innovative approaches to enhance patient care for those in need.
The mission of the Care of Underserved Patients Community is to facilitate a network of members who
provide care for underserved patient populations and utilize the expertise and resources of that network
to empower all members to provide patient-centered care to underserved patient populations.
The Community will actively support APhA's vision and strategic plan by fostering an inclusive and
dynamic environment where members can exchange knowledge, develop solutions, and contribute to advancing
care for underserved patient populations.
Meet the Leaders Driving Our Community Forward
Get to know the leaders guiding our profession. Their leadership drives innovation, fosters collaboration, and makes a lasting impact on patient care and pharmacy practice.
Bio
As director of pharmacy, William Hayes, PharmD, is dedicated to advancing the mission of the Washington State Department of Corrections. He collaborates with partners to ensure that patients not only achieve optimal health, but also gain the knowledge and skills necessary for effective self-management of their care—both during their time in the facility and after their reintegration into the community. In addition to his role as director, William is an active member of the Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission and serves on the ArrayRx Steering Committee. A graduate of the Purdue University College of Pharmacy with more than 24 years of experience as a licensed pharmacist, he has contributed to the well-being of Washington residents as both a community and long-term care pharmacist.
Outside of his professional endeavors, William is committed to giving back through volunteer work with organizations such as Seattle Pride, Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, and Susan G. Komen, where he has participated in fundraising events like Relay for Life and the 3-Day for the Cure. When he's not at work, he enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, and exploring the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest with his beloved dachshunds.
William Hayes
PharmD
Bio
Tom Bateman, PharmD, is a board certified ambulatory care pharmacist. He earned his PharmD degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and completed his PGY1 community practice residency with Duquesne University & Giant Eagle Pharmacy. He then completed his PGY2 ambulatory care residency with the Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy (EMSOP) & Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC). Tom currently serves as a clinical assistant professor with the Rutgers EMSOP and as the lead clinical pharmacist of HJAHC. He also serves as the residency program director for HJAHC's PGY2 ambulatory care residency program.
Tom's passion is working with underserved urban communities, and he has published multiple papers, mainly about pharmacist-led chronic disease management in the primary care setting.
Tom Bateman
PharmD
Bio
Itzayanne Montenegro is a first-generation student pharmacist intern with 12 years of community, specialty, and hospital pharmacy experience, including chronic disease management, patient assistance, and advocacy. Growing up in an immigrant household with limited health resources to her family and friends around her sparked a fire to volunteer and help the under-privileged and find a way to help those who need it the most. She spent many years volunteering, connecting with local long-term care facilities to help bring students to fill in gaps during holidays and special events, as well as hosting fundraising projects to help gather basic necessities for those who cannot afford them.
Itzayanne is dedicated to her love of patients and caring for her community. She is always looking for a way to be involved, whether it is participating in a health fair or helping patients find assistance programs to help them afford their medications. She has a passion for learning all she can and is excited to bring her experiences, passions, and resources to her local community.
Itzayanne Montenegro
Bio
Zach McLeod, PharmD, MBA, is a third-generation pharmacist who purchased his first pharmacy in 2019, and has since expanded to 22 locations across Alabama and Florida. His pharmacies are known for providing advanced clinical services, long-term care, specialty pharmacy services, delivery, and specialized patient packaging. Zach is also a licensed insurance agent and consultant pharmacist. He earned his PharmD and MBA degrees from Union University, and holds double board certifications in pharmacotherapy and geriatric pharmacy. His dedication to expanding access to quality health care and his comprehensive approach to patient care have made him a respected leader in the pharmacy industry. Zach lives in Dothan, AL, with his wife, Katie, and their two daughters, Lynlee and Elsie.
Zach McLeod
PharmD, MBA
Bio
Zach Krauss, PharmD, is the chief resident in the PGY2 health-system pharmacy administration and leadership residency at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, NC, and is pursuing a master of science in health-system pharmacy administration from the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Their professional journey reflects a deep commitment to pharmacy leadership, operational excellence, and health equity.
With extensive experience in clinical practice, research, and advocacy, Zach has held leadership roles in national organizations such as APhA, ACCP, and ASHP. They have led initiatives focused on improving medication access, population health, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in health care. Their work includes managing communications, coordinating educational programs, and contributing to health policy efforts.
Zach is passionate about addressing health care disparities, leading interdisciplinary teams, and fostering innovation in pharmacy services. He has conducted research on chronic disease management, transitions of care, and pharmacist-led interventions, with a focus on underserved populations. A dedicated mentor and educator, Zach enjoys guiding student pharmacists and residents while developing future leaders in the profession.
Zach Krauss
PharmD
Collaborate for Change: Join a Team
Teams are at the heart of our association's impact. By joining a team, you will collaborate with
like-minded professionals, share insights, and work together on key initiatives that shape the future of our
field.
The Community is led by a chair, chair-elect, and member-at-large (up to three) that serve to advance the work
of the Community. Team members are appointed by the Community leadership.
Communications Team
Lead Community members in discussions related to care of underserved patients, utilizing the APhA
Engage platform to encourage members to share ideas and resources; and promote Community related
activities and events through the APhA Engage platform, website, and other APhA communications.
Education Team
Identify educational gaps among Community members about caring for underserved patients and provide
opportunities to bridge the education gap through CPE, webinars, and toolkits.
Professional Affairs Team
To provide a space for Community members to exchange ideas on topics relevant to care of underserved
patients; to solicit Community member feedback toward recommendations to APhA regarding priorities
related to care of underserved patients; and to engage Community members to organize grassroots
advocacy and public awareness campaigns.
Engagement Plans
Discover our engagement plans designed to advance pharmacy practice, foster innovation, and create lasting change in patient care.
Resources
Explore valuable resources, shaping the future of the profession and advancing patient care.