The Pharmacists' Association of Saskatchewan recognizes that members may have personal problems that interfere with their professional performance or private lives. To address this need, PAS is pleased to sponsor the Members' Assistance Program (MAP). The Members' Assistance program is a VOLUNTARY CONFIDENTIAL PROGRAM for pharmacists in Saskatchewan.

Five hours of counselling services per year is available to you and each of your immediate family members, including children attending university out of province. In addition to PAR Consultants, PAS has expanded its members' assistance to include Family Services (with locations in Saskatoon, Regina at 306-757-6675, Yorkton, Prince Albert, North Battleford and Moose Jaw)and Morgan Traquair & Associates (Regina 306-352-9468). If you have a registered psychologist or counselor you would like to use, have him or her contact the PAS office (306-359-7277) for payment approval.

MISSION

The purpose of the program is to provide effective assistance to members and their families for problems that cannot be solved without professional assistance.

PRINCIPLES

MAP is dedicated to the principle of confidentially assisting members and their families with personal problems that or ahve the potential to adversely affect professional or personal performance, or the well-being of the family.

PAS sponsors MAP by engaging professional consultants around the province to provide assistance. Although PAS sponsors the Program, confidentiality will be preserved by your service provider.

A PAS committee manages and promotes the program to the membership. This Committee supervises the operation of the MAP, but is NOT directly involved in individual case management, nor do members have knowledge of the identity of program participants.

MAP operates independently from SCP's Council's disciplinary responsibilities. It does not serve as a reporting facility in connection with disciplinary proceedings.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

• To prevent deterioration of professional performance due to personal problems of members and their families.
• To assist those whose professional performance has declined.
• To promote and educate the membership of the benefits of MAP and early recognition and resolution of problems.
• To encourage members and their immediate families to avail themselves of the assistance offered.
• To provide assistance and support to members and their families by appropriate counselling and referral to other resources where necessary.
• To ensure the program is accessible to all members.

OPERATING GUIDELINES

These guidelines provide for either self-referrals from members or their families, or referrals from concerned persons. (Referrals can be made directly to PAR Consultants) Examples of assistance provided include, but not limited to:

♦ Crisis / trauma ♦  Anxiety / Depression ♦ Addiction counselling ♦  Marriage and family counselling ♦ Vocational counselling ♦ Stress management ♦  Grief and anger ♦ Conflict resolution ♦ Youth and parenting ♦ Financial counselling ♦ Domestic mediation ♦ Psychological assessment

PAS covers the cost of professional services to a maximum of 5 hours of counselling per year. Other costs may be covered under justifiable circumstances. Coverage of costs is available if the person seeking assistance reasonably complies with the treatment program recommended by PAR Consultants.