Walgreens has launched a program to train pharmacists and pharmacy staff to better identify mental health and substance abuse issues in their patients.
To create the "Mental Health First Aid" training program, the pharmacy retail giant partnered with the National Council for Behavioral Health and the American Pharmacists Association.
The goal of the program is to train participants to better understand risk factors for mental health and addiction issues, spot warning signs and know how to help patients.
"With the growing need for services and resources to help those living with mental health conditions, as well as substance use and addiction, we can play an important role by giving our pharmacists and certain team members the training to help those in crisis," said Walgreens Boots Alliance co-COO, Alex Gourlay.