'An unmet need': Regina pharmacy first of its kind in Canada

Melanie McLeodsays she started Vital Care Pharmacy because of "an unmet" need she found in mental health care.

Her businessincludes the same services as a regular pharmacy, but offers additional support and services for people with mental illness.

Earlier this year, a Canadian health care magazine called Pharmacy Business and Practicecalled it the first of its kind in Canada.

"We just really feel there are a lot of patients that just don't get the information that they really need and deserve to have," saidMcLeod.

The pharmacy helps peoplenavigate through the mental health system,administers injections that are normally only available at hospitals or clinics and provides private consultations for people with mental health concerns,among other things.

McLeodsaid thatbefore she started Vital Care,patients came to her saying they didn't feel comfortable talking aboutcertain things and needed additional supports.

"We really focus on not having any stigma here," she said,

McLeodsaid Vital Care isa place where people can talk about issues they wouldn't talk about with other people, including healthcare professionals.

She said the pharmacy also helps people that have historically been marginalized, such as those with HIV or hepatitis.

"We don't judge regardless of comes through the door," she said.

"Our focus is really just making people feel comfortable and safe."

Psychiatric pharmacist

McLeod is one of only two psychiatric pharmacists in Saskatchewan.

A psychiatric pharmacist has more training and certification thana standard pharmacist.

McLeod has multiple degrees, including a PhD in pharmacy, as well asboard certification in psychiatric pharmacy.

As a psychiatric pharmacist, McLeod's job includes consulting with psychiatrists on treatment for patients who are having problems with their prescribed medication.

"I just really believe in individualizing drug therapy, which is really important part of being involved with patients with mental illness" she said.

She also works with patients who are unable to afford medication and findsa way for them to get their prescription.

McLeod says there is a growing demand for psychiatric pharmacistsand she is currently mentoring other pharmacists.