CPNP Foundation Activities at CPNP 2015 in Tampa

Barbara G. Wells, PharmD, FASHP, FCCP
CPNP Foundation President

Each year the CPNP Foundation seeks to feature their progress on new initiatives at the CPNP Annual Meeting, while also attempting to shine a light on stigma and bring the patient/caregiver perspective to the meeting. The Foundation Board commends and congratulates CPNP staff and the Annual Meeting Program Committee for planning an excellent meeting which had record attendance.

Stigma and Psychiatric Disorders

The Foundation was pleased to co-sponsor with CPNP an enlightening presentation by Michael Friedman, PhD, MS, entitled “Stigma and Psychiatric Disorders: Understanding and Managing Personal Biases.” This presentation was well attended and helped attendees to evaluate their own preconceptions which might serve as a barrier to optimal treatment. See the article by Dr. Carla Cobb in this issue of Kaleidoscope for more detail on this outstanding presentation.

Community Mental Health Pharmacy Directory

Posters on display at CPNP 2015 rolled out the new Community Mental Health Pharmacy Directory, a searchable web-based national directory of community pharmacies which focus on the special needs of individuals living with psychiatric disorders. The website, which is under development, will identify specific services each of these pharmacies provide to meet patient needs. The Foundation is partnering with Otsuka to develop this much needed website which will be up and running in the summer of 2015. This initiative is driven by the Foundation’s desire to increase access to needed services, improve clinical outcomes, and recognize pharmacists and pharmacies in the community that are going above and beyond to provide exceptional care to individuals with psychiatric disorders. For more information about this creative initiative, refer to Dr. Charles Caley’s article in this issue of Kaleidoscope.

Defining the Future Grants

The Defining the Future Research Grant Program for Students and Residents was officially rolled out at CPNP 2015. Through a competitive selection process, the Foundation will fund up to three grants of up to $1500 each. Funded projects must address stigma associated with psychiatric or neurologic disorders or comprehensive medication management as a best practice. Applications for these grants will be submitted online and are due by August 31, 2015. Recipients will be announced October 1^st, and recipients must submit their findings as a poster at the CPNP 2016 to be held at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs from April 17-20. For more information about this funding opportunity, see the article in this issue of Kaleidoscope.

CPNP Foundation Walks for NAMI

The CPNP Foundation partnered with CPNP to sponsor the 8^th Annual 5K Run/Walk benefitting the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). All entrance fees and donations to this event were matched by CPNP. A total of 114 individuals contributed to the important work of NAMI for a total of $2,340 in donations which was matched by CPNP. Wednesday morning of the Annual meeting, a check in the amount of $4,680 was presented to Mr. Chuck Harman, National Director, Strategic Alliances and Development for NAMI. The 9^th Annual 5K Run/Walk for NAMI will be held April 20, 2016 at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado during CPNP 2016. Be sure to make plans to participate.

Pharmacy Student Travel Grants

Again this year the CPNP Foundation provided complimentary registration and partial travel support to 15 students to attend CPNP 2015. The Foundation Board is committed to assisting students to explore their interests in the care of individuals with psychiatric and neurologic disorders. The grant recipients were selected by the CPNP Student Committee. Recipients were: