Barbara G. Wells, Pharm.D., FCCP, FASHP, CPNP Foundation President
Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy
The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists Foundation sponsored two key events at CPNP 2014 in Phoenix. In collaboration with PSA Art Awakenings, the Foundation sponsored an art and jewelry exhibit and ice cream social for all meeting attendees. All displayed art and jewelry were for sale, and all sales dollars went to PSA Art Awakenings to support their vitally important rehabilitation work and their clients.
Art Awakenings promotes empowerment and recovery through the power of creative expression with children and adults who are challenged by mental health and substance use disorders. It is a psychosocial rehabilitation and art therapy program that serves over 1200 adults and children working toward empowerment and recovery through creativity. Art Awakenings staff and artists were present to talk about the art, and live music was performed by musicians who were also in recovery. Post-meeting, Art Awakenings staff reported that they were very pleased that sales generated over $1,700 to support their artists and their work, and that their artists were fulfilled by being able to discuss their work with meeting attendees. Art Awakenings staff also communicated how meaningful it was to their musicians to receive modest compensation for their performance.
CPNP Foundation and CPNP co-sponsored the 7th Annual NAMI Walk on Wednesday morning of the Annual Meeting. The Foundation and CPNP highly value their relationship with NAMI. In recent years, we have collaborated with NAMI in conducting research, in educational endeavors, and in working to better understand the needs of individuals living with neuropsychiatric disorders. Donations to the NAMI Walk came from 103 individuals and amounted to $2,140. CPNP generously matched the donations, and a check totaling $4,280 was presented to Mr. Chuck Harman, NAMI’s National Director for Strategic Alliances and Development.
The Foundation provided $7,500 in grants providing registration partial travel support for 15 students to attend CPNP 2014. CPNP provided an additional grant, so a total of 16 students benefitted. Grant recipients were as follows:
The Foundation Board appreciates the work of the Student Committee in selecting grant recipients. CPNP members serving on the 2013-2014 Student Committee were: