Update from the Professional Wellness Committee

 

Do you struggle with substance abuse or addiction?  Do you know a fellow PA who might need help but doesn’t want to lose their license and job?  The Professional Wellness Committee of SCAPA has a way to help.  

 

PA’s who voluntarily seek assistance with alcoholism or other forms of substance abuse can contact the Recovering Professionals Program (RPP) in Columbia.  Their website is www.scrpp.org and their phone number is 1-877-349-2094.  The goal of RPP is to help healthcare professionals recover from addiction, stay sober and avoid losing their license.  Also, PA’s seeking assistance with addiction may present themselves to the South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA) Physicians’ Advocacy and Assistance Committee (PAAC).  Their contact person is Cathy Boland and her direct number is (803) 798-6207 or statewide 1-800-327-1021 ext. 232.  

After each PAAC quarterly meeting, you can meet privately with the committee to discuss plans for recovery.  Also, the SCMA PAAC has ten regions in the state that coordinate weekly meetings (similar to AA meetings) where doctors, nurses, pharmacists, PA’s can participate in recovery.  If you have any questions, you may contact Bud Reynolds, Chairman of the SCAPA Professional Wellness Committee at reynolds.bud@gmail.com.