What is WPRN?

The Wisconsin Pharmacy Recovery Network is a voluntary program intended to support pharmacists, pharmacy students and pharmacy technicians as they enter and maintain recovery from substance use disorders.

Who Does it Help?

As structured, the Network is designed to provide confidential assistance and support to any pharmacist, pharmacy student, or pharmacy technician struggling with or recovering from substance use disorder, as well as and the family or significant others affected by the illness

What can WPRN Provide?

• Confidential referrals to primary and regional contacts.
• Support throughout treatment, after care and reentry into the profession.
• Advocacy for the pharmacist with employers and the Pharmacy Examining Board.
• Navigation of self-reporting procedures.

Is There a Charge for Services?

There is no fee for contacting or participating in WPRN. When evaluation and treatment are pursued, the cost of treatment services and drug screening will be the responsibility of the individual participant. Most of these services are reimbursable through health insurance plans.

Why is WPRN Necessary?

Estimates place the incidence of substance use disorders in pharmacists at about 11-15%. If these figures reflect the incidence of substance abuse in Wisconsin, we may have as many as 700-1000 impaired pharmacists in this state.

What can I expect from WPRN?

• Confidential support, empathy, and experience from pharmacy professionals in recovery who are familiar with entering treatment programs, maintaining recovery, and remaining in the profession.
• Access to pharmacists who have participated in and completed professional monitoring programs, such as the DSPS Professional Assistance Program in Wisconsin
• Fellowship and networking with pharmacy professionals who understand the unique challenges of recovering from substance use disorders in the health-care industry
• Hope and personal accounts of satisfying and productive pharmacy careers while in recovery

Help is Only a Phone Call or E-mail Away

If you would like more information about the program, if you personally have a problem, or you live or work with a pharmacy professional or student who does, call the Network Information Line at (608) 827-9200. All inquiries will be referred to a primary or regional contact within the network.

Meetings

WPRN meets virtually twice a month for 2 hours. If you are interested in joining a meeting, please contact Tracy Head at tracy.head@gmail.com to request an invitation. Access to the meeting will be provided via an email invitation with password protected link to the meeting.

All meetings are anonymous and are intended to provide support to any pharmacy professional seeking recovery from substance use disorder.

Meetings can always be joined late if you are unable to make it at the start time.