Developing a partnership with NAMI and psychiatric pharmacists

NAMI is a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe mental illness. We conducted a survey of 8 local Southern California NAMI chapters and found the membership to be predominantly female (70%) and elderly (mean age = 61 years). The majority of respondents (92%) rated information on psychiatric medications as very important, and 79 percent reported needing more information on psychiatric medications. A second survey of psychiatric pharmacists nationwide revealed that 80 percent have heard of NAMI but only 17 percent are members of NAMI. Psychiatric pharmacists have expertise in psychopharmacology, and more than 50 percent have achieved board certification in psychiatric pharmacy (BCPP). A partnership between NAMI and psychiatric pharmacists can result in education of NAMI members about psychiatric medications. Furthermore, psychiatric pharmacists can become aware of issues that are pertinent to the experience of NAMI members.