This Member Highlight section of the Public Education (formerly known as Consumer Relations) Committee features CPNP members who volunteer their time and expertise in their local mental health communities.
Steven M. Burghart is a clinical pharmacist and a pharmacist in-charge of the University of Kansas Health System at Marillac campus. In the past, he had volunteered with his local National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter, and has recently transitioned to focusing on an opportunity to serve as a member of the Kansas Pharmacists Association (KPhA) - Committee on Impaired Pharmacy Practice (CIPP). This committee runs a confidential voluntary program that provides education and guidance to pharmacists and interns whose professional works are impacted by the disease of chemical dependency. Steve’s voluntary work involves an ongoing committee work with a scheduled face-to-face meeting once every quarter, during which time he and his colleagues interview the clients who are enrolled in this program. He finds this voluntary work most gratifying when seeing professionals successfully graduate from the program and be able to hold on to their families and careers.
He became involved in this program through several colleagues of his through the Kansas Pharmacists Association, who also have found this work rewarding. Steve encourages every CPNP member to become involved at his/her respective local and state mental health efforts, stating that our involvement as mental health professionals is appreciated by the public.