Pharmacy Podcast Network Mental Health in the Pharmacy Part 1 | Cardinal Health™ Counter Talk™ Podcast
May 15, 2025
Joan Wissinger, a seasoned pharmacist with 25 years in mental health and homelessness, shares valuable insights into her experiences in closed-door pharmacies. She discusses the challenges pharmacists face in providing compassionate care to vulnerable populations. Key topics include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health dynamics and the vital role of case managers in connecting patients to resources. Joan emphasizes the importance of empathy and self-care for pharmacy professionals, advocating for a supportive environment in patient interactions.
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Pharmacy Serving Mentally Ill Homeless
- Joan Wissinger opened a closed-door pharmacy 25 years ago serving severe mentally ill and homeless patients in Columbus, Ohio.
- She developed a passion for helping these vulnerable populations through dedicated pharmacy care.
Stigma Blocks Mental Health Care
- Mental illness still carries a significant stigma unlike diseases such as cancer or diabetes.
- This stigma prevents many patients from seeking help or openly managing their condition.
Personal Struggle Accessing Care
- Joan shared the story of her son struggling with mental health and the difficulty getting timely psychiatric care.
- Even with knowledge and connections, accessing urgent mental health services was a 6-week wait.