Christopher Fogarty, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner for Mercy Medical Center will be on News-Talk 1480 WHBC'’s Health Matters radio program this Friday (July 31).

Christopher will discuss the stigma attached to mental health issues and will give listeners advice on ways to cope with the anxiety and stress brought on by COVID-19.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  These are powerful words.  It’s important to measure how common mental illness is, so we can understand its physical, social and financial impact — and so we can show that no one is alone.

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34

Most people who experience mental health problems recover fully, or can live with and manage them, especially if they get help early on.

But even though so many people are affected, there is a strong social stigma attached to mental ill health, and people with mental health problems can experience discrimination in all aspects of their lives.

In this podcast we will talk with Chris about mental health initiatives in our community and reducing the stigma attached to mental health conditions.

This episode is sponsored by Mercy Medical Center and Studio Arts and Glass.

You can find all our Health Matters Podcasts here:  iTunes   Google Play  Stitcher

Health Matters is hosted by Pharmacists Paul White and Brad White from the  Medicine Center Pharmacy, the program will runs live from 9:05am - 10am each Friday. .

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), a popular anti-malaria drug is also used as a primary treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, we have been getting calls from patients that are concerned about maintaining drug therapy due to the nationwide shortage of hydroxychloroquine. Disease flare ups are a common concern with patients of any condition when vital medication is on the FDA shortage list or in limited supply.

What is the Medicine Center Pharmacy’s Role in Hydroxychloroquine Supply Chain?

We received a shipment of bulk powder of the active ingredient hydroxychloroquine. If a patient is having difficulty maintaining their current therapy we can consult with their provider to obtain a prescription to compound capsules or a liquid formulation if necessary. 

Compounding pharmacies use bulk chemical ingredients to formulate patient specific medications. Alternatively, hydroxychloroquine tablet are mass manufactured by large drug companies. You can have confidence in the Medicine Center Pharmacy process as we are a PCAB Accredited Non-Sterile Compounding Facility.

There are treatment options to consider outside of hydroxychloroquine.  Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) has the potential to be a therapeutic alternative as it has been documented to be effective in many autoimmune conditions. 

Medicine Center Pharmacy accepts most insurance plans. Often insurance companies exclude compounded medications from coverage which has been a very frustrating for patients that depend on insurance for care. In many cases, the cost for a compounded medication is very affordable and often is comparable to insurance copays.

Low-Dose Naltrexone

Patients with autoimmune conditions are finding relief with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). The Medicine Center Pharmacy is part of national network of pharmacists that is dedicated to educating patients and providers about alternative treatment therapies and specializes in using LDN for autoimmune and pain conditions.

We have additional resources for Low Dose Naltrexone Education: