Merck Is Harnessing Innovation To Reach Indigenous Communities

Rhea-AI Summary

Merck & Co., Inc. - Alaska partners with University of Alaska and drone provider to demonstrate drone delivery of medicines to remote villages, showcasing innovative solutions for increasing access to lifesaving pharmaceuticals in extreme weather and terrain. The project aims to expand access to medicines in remote areas, addressing the challenges faced by people living in Alaska's 240 remote villages and communities.

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• The partnership with the University of Alaska and drone provider demonstrates Merck's commitment to innovative solutions for increasing access to essential medicines. The use of drones to deliver temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals showcases the company's dedication to addressing healthcare challenges in remote areas.

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 8, 2023 / Merck & Co., Inc. - Alaska is a vast state with extremes in weather and terrain. For people living in its 240 remote villages and communities, obtaining lifesaving medicines can be a challenge. And extreme challenges call for innovative solutions.

To help, we teamed up with the University of Alaska, a drone provider, local governments and others to demonstrate the use of drones to increase access to medicines in a proof-of-concept project. The drone was outfitted with thermal protection system packaging for the safe delivery of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

Drone technology expands access to medicines where it's needed most

For our colleague and drone project adviser Leslie Brunette, this is the culmination of work that began more than a decade ago in her hometown of Fargo, North Dakota.

"I was introduced to a young man from a tribal community, and his grandmother had invited me to go and visit him," said Brunette, who also serves as the global lead for Merck's Native American and Global Indigenous People employee business resource group. She explained that the young man suffered from a chronic illness, and the remote location of his community meant a trek of two to three hours to be able to access health care. A few years later, he became sick and had to be moved off of the reservation to receive care.

"When he passed away, because of how much we learned about his family and his culture, I knew that more needed to be said and needed to be done. So I made that commitment to continue to try and be a voice that raised and elevated the awareness of indigenous communities across the United States and the world."

From dog sleds to drone delivery

It's not the first time we've found an innovative way to deliver health care to families in Alaska. The annual Iditarod race commemorates a 1925 sled dog team relay that brought an antitoxin produced by Merck legacy company H.K. Mulford to Nome through blizzard conditions to help fight a deadly epidemic.

We're proud of our company's long history of expanding access to medicines and vaccines and working with our partners to create innovative solutions to help people in need.

Learn more about Merck's Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) approach by visiting merck.com/company-overview/esg.

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View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Merck & Co., Inc. on 3blmedia.com.

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Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/merck-co-inc
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SOURCE: Merck & Co., Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/772873/Merck-Is-Harnessing-Innovation-To-Reach-Indigenous-Communities

FAQ

What is the partnership between Merck & Co., Inc. - Alaska, University of Alaska, and the drone provider about?

The partnership aims to demonstrate the use of drones to increase access to medicines in remote villages and communities in Alaska, showcasing innovative solutions for delivering lifesaving pharmaceuticals in extreme weather and terrain.

Who is involved in the drone delivery project?

The project involves Merck & Co., Inc. - Alaska, the University of Alaska, a drone provider, local governments, and others.

What is the purpose of using drones for medicine delivery?

The purpose is to expand access to medicines in remote areas, addressing the challenges faced by people living in Alaska's 240 remote villages and communities.

How does the project demonstrate innovative solutions?

The project demonstrates innovative solutions by utilizing drone technology and thermal protection system packaging for the safe delivery of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals to remote areas.

What is Leslie Brunette's role in the project?

Leslie Brunette is a colleague and drone project adviser at Merck & Co., Inc. - Alaska, and also serves as the global lead for Merck's Native American and Global Indigenous People employee business resource group. She has been involved in the project to increase access to medicines in remote areas.