Amidst a global pandemic and two hurricanes that hit his hometown of Lake Charles directly, Blair Fre’She Guillory is still finding unique ways to serve the Ouachita Parish community.

Guillory is a second-year student in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Louisiana Monroe.

Applying his leadership and clinical knowledge, Blair strived to obtain unique opportunities to provide a healthier lifestyle to the medically underserved local communities. Guillory started Freshe Environment to help reduce the amount of money spent on diabetic over-the-counter supplies which totals up to at least $10,000 a year per diabetic patient, and at the same time bring more awareness to the diabetic/minority communities.

“Fre’She is my middle name and it consists of half my grandfather’s name, which is Fred, and half my grandmother's name, Shelia. I chose this name due to my grandfather. He inspired my pursuit to become a pharmacist and sparked my passion to advocate for underserved communities,” says Guillory when asked about the inspiration for the name Freshe Environment.

Guillory says his grandfather faced many health issues, including diabetes. Before passing, Guillory saw his grandfather couldn’t afford his own medication. So, he wanted to change that for others, especially minorities who are at higher risks for the disease.

As far as redistribution, Guillory is personally dropping off supplies to those in need for the time being. In the future, he plans on having a pick-up and drop-off location for those individuals that have access to transportation. Freshe Environment's focus is currently on collecting supplies, to have a broader variety of brands that can satisfy multiple glucose monitors in the future.

Blair is extremely appreciative of all those who have provided support and guidance to become the best pharmacy leader he envisions to be. Along with family and friends, he also credits his mentors from ULM, Dr. Keith Jackson, Dr. Valerie Fields, Dean Anderson, Montrell Marshal, and Jamare Christopher Williams.

The community can donate to St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy at 502 Grammont St. Monroe, LA 71201. The pharmacy provides assistance to those who cannot afford the cost of prescription medication

If you have any questions, you can contact Blair at fresheenvironment@recyclesign.net.