Genoa Healthcare® pharmacist Julie R. has seen firsthand the impact that severe and persistent mental illness can have on a person.
For one of her consumers living with schizophrenia, the condition affected her mood, personal relationships and ability to cope with day-to-day life. She experienced a lot of anxiety and was often angry. She rarely left her home, was no longer in touch with her family and had a difficult time making friends.
“There are so many people living with mental illness who don’t get help for various reasons,” said Julie. “Barriers like negative stigma, being overlooked, societal discrimination or inadequate resources can make it difficult for people in this population to receive care.”
Julie’s pharmacy, like most Genoa pharmacies, is located directly within a behavioral health clinic. This unique setting enables its pharmacy team members to break down barriers to care by meeting consumers where they are, so it’s easier for them to get – and stay on – their medication. It also helps them collaborate closely with clinic staff and providers, and support clinic programs, like Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams, so they can work to improve outcomes as one cohesive care team.
Genoa supports ACT teams and the people they serve by offering medication management support, including medication titration expertise, accommodation for frequent medication changes and pre-filled pill organizers at no added cost. Its teams also provide medication administration records and on-demand availability of long-acting injectables.
Since receiving care from her clinic’s ACT team and having Genoa fill her medications, Julie’s seen incredible improvement in this consumer’s quality of life.
“With our support, she’s now able to do things that most of us take for granted, like go to the library, shop at the grocery store – complete everyday tasks that used to be difficult,” Julie said. “She’s built a relationship with her family again and has made more friends in her community. It’s wonderful to know we’re helping someone overcome the internal struggles that once held them back.”
Julie’s senior pharmacy technician, Michelle, manages the pharmacy’s relationship with her clinic partner’s ACT team, making sure the people they serve get the medication they need.
“We wouldn’t be able to make the impact we do without Michelle’s coordination and collaboration with our partners,” Julie said. “When we work as an integrated part of our partner clinic’s care team, we’re able to make a bigger impact on our consumers’ lives.”
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