Searching for Solutions

Teen Suicide, the Silent Epidemic

“What word would you choose to describe the current state of mental health for teenagers in America?” Dr. Jessica “Jessie” Merritt, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, introduced her presentation entitled “Teen Suicide, the Silent Epidemic” with this audience participation question. As words like “crisis,” “scary,” “fragile,” and “concerning” grew larger in the screen, the audience began to explore feelings evoked by the profound initial question, and the topic at hand for one of the Wednesday morning keynote sessions at AAPP 2023.

AAPP Awards Judith J. Saklad Memorial Award and Research Awards at AAPP 2023

During AAPP 2023, AAPP presented the 2023 Judith J. Saklad Memorial Award to Charles Caley, PharmD, BCPP, Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Springfield, MA. The Judith J. Saklad Memorial Award is presented annually to a senior psychiatric pharmacy practitioner who has achieved a level of professional distinction and represents the qualities and ideals of professional enthusiasm, a passion for optimizing patient care, and continuing dedication to the practice of psychiatric pharmacy. The Saklad Memorial Award is named after the late Judith J. Saklad.

JCPP Convenes to Advance Pharmacists’ Patient Care Services

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners (JCPP) held its meeting in Alexandria, VA, to advance collective efforts toward increased recognition of and payment for Pharmacists’ Patient Care Services. The day’s discussions centered on building momentum from current achievements and identifying next steps for progress. During the morning session, members focused on the recently approved, and soon to be released, revised JCPP Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process and explored strategies for implementation across all pharmacy practice settings. The afternoon featured dialogue around regulatory frameworks that support patient care, with particular emphasis on the standards of care approach to pharmacy regulation. Throughout the meeting, JCPP member organizations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding pharmacists’ roles within the health care system and enabling sustained delivery of patient care services. A special thanks to President Michelle Geier who was representing AAPP at her final JCPP meeting.

Federal Funding Recommendations to Congress Submitted

AAPP has endorsed the Mental Health Liaison Group’s FY2026 federal funding recommendations to Congress. The funding recommendations cross federal agencies with an emphasis on programs that support mental health and substance use services, training programs, and research.

Medicaid Reform Bill Clears Key House Committee

Following a lengthy hearing on Wednesday, May 14, the House Energy & Commerce Committee advanced its budget reconciliation recommendations by a 30-24 party-line vote, including major proposed changes to Medicaid. These reforms include work requirements, increased cost-sharing, limits on provider taxes and state-directed payments, and more frequent eligibility checks. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the changes could result in 7.6 million people losing coverage by 2034, while generating approximately $625 billion in Medicaid-related savings toward the $880 billion target.

Member News: June 2025

Growing the psychiatric pharmacy workforce is one of AAPP’s significant priorities. Driving students into the field of pharmacy is a critical piece. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy is working to attract students to the field by showcasing the diverse opportunities and rewards in pharmacy. We encourage you to offer to share your profession with the Pharmacy is Right For Me campaign just as AAPP member Tiffany Golz, PharmD, BCPP, recently did.

The existence of the CPNP Foundation is a direct reflection of the selfless dedication of you as CPNP members. The CPNP Foundation is seeking to meet its $50,000 year-end fundraising goal to support this important, ongoing work and is asking for your continued support with a generous donation during our year-end fundraising campaign. Your donation will support the following four areas:

The National Council for Behavioral Health Medical Director Institute has recommended that the number of Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPPs) be expanded to help meet the growing demand for mental health services. BCPPs currently assist in expanding care access, improving medication-related outcomes, and reducing health care costs by working collaboratively with physicians and other health care providers.