Mental Health and Well-Being Resources for Pharmacy Practitioners
As health care providers, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have always felt the need to ensure the safety of their patients. In recent years, however, stress levels for pharmacy personnel have increased exponentially as they have taken on new responsibilities and seen increased workloads, while at the same time providing patients with top-level care.
According to data from the Well-being Index for Pharmacy Personnel (WBI), 31% of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who used the self-assessment tool are at risk of experiencing high distress. And those who risk experiencing high distress also have a twofold risk of making a medication error. Since the WBI was launched in 2019, more than 10,000 pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists have assessed and reassessed their well-being and stress.
Practitioners may find these resources helpful:
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s (NABP) Mental Health & Well-Being Resources webpage. This webpage includes mental health self-evaluation tools like the WBI, courses to identify mental health crises, resources to find mental health support, and information to better understand burnout and mental health concerns.
Hope4Healers - In partnership with the NC Department of Health & Human Services and the NC Psychological Foundation:
A large volunteer force of licensed mental health professionals providing pro bono, confidential mental health support for healthcare workers who are on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic and their families. The Hope4Healers Helpline number is 919-226-2002.
Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (NC DHHS)
Contact: Kristen Weisberg, 919-715-2067 or John Womble, 919-715-2033.
Drug Control Unit, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services (NC DHHS)
Contact: Stella Bailey, Manager, 919-715-2067
North Carolina Controlled Substances Reporting System (CSRS)
Kristen Weisberg, 919-715-2067 or John Womble, 919-715-2033.
North Carolina Department of Agriculture Food & Drug Protection Division
North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR)
NCIR Help Desk Staff Phone: 877-873-6247; Fax: 800-544-3058
North Carolina Medicaid Enrollment and Billing
Please note: The NC Board of Pharmacy plays no part in the Medicaid enrollment process. But the NC Association of Pharmacists (NCAP) provides an online resource to assist pharmacists in navigating the provider enrollment process. That resource is available here.
North Carolina Physicians Health Program (NCPHP)
Evaluation and Monitoring Program for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Personnel with Substance Use Disorders
North Carolina Schools of Pharmacy
- Campbell University - College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
- High Point University - Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Eshelman School of Pharmacy
- Wingate University School of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Security Check List
developed by the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI)
Safe Pharmacy
Access to verified and legitimate pharmacy (human and veterinarian) websites and resources.
US Drug Enforcement Administration Manuals
"Pharmacists Manual, an Informational Outline of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970"