Support program for pharmacists and pharmacy students

Pharmacists are health care professionals whose needs are unique. However, they are also among the professionals who rarely seek prompt medical attention. Untreated pharmacists may suffer needlessly and may put themselves, their families and their patients at risk.

All Ontario pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy students (registered with the Ontario College of Pharmacists) who may be experiencing work/life stress, concerns about their mental health or substance use problems, can contact the Professionals Health Program (PHP) for assistance. This service is also accessible to family members who are seeking assistance to support pharmacists who are experiencing problems.

The PHP offers help to individuals on many different levels; from the presentation of a problem, through a process of assisting a pharmacist with a referral to a treatment resource, as well as supporting, monitoring and advocating for a pharmacist after treatment. Calls from pharmacists are answered by skilled clinicians, with extensive experience in responding to the needs of hundreds of health professionals over the past decade. The PHP has access to a wide range of expert community based clinicians, as well as other resources province wide and will work with the caller to find the best resource(s) for them. The PHP also provides more intensive resources, such as intervention support, monitoring and advocacy, along with support for return to work for those suffering from serious impairment disorders, such as substance abuse and dependence.

Be assured that all aspects of this service are completely confidential. Any information provided by a pharmacist or pharmacy student accessing PHP services will be held in strict confidence by the Program and at no time does the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association or the Ontario College of Pharmacists receive information about individuals.

The PHP is a confidential resource for pharmacists facing a wide range or social and health challenges. For more information, please contact The Professionals Health Program, confidentially, at 1 (800) 851-6606. Alternatively, you may contact the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association, confidentially, at (416) 441-0788, Ext. 4226, or Toll Free 1 (877) 341-0788.   Further information is also available on php.oma.org or www.opatoday.com.

This program is administered by the Ontario Medical Association, supported by the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association, and endorsed by the Ontario College of Pharmacists. There is no cost to you for accessing any level of this program. Funding is provided by the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association and the Ontario College of Pharmacists.