Complete Story
01/08/2025
2025 OAPA Pharmacology Conference - Presentation #5
Friday, March 28, 2025, from 2-3 p.m.
Chemical Dependency and the Healthcare Professional
Presented by Christopher Hart, BSPh, University of Findlay
Learning Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of addiction as a chronic, relapsing disease, differentiating it from moral failing or personal weakness
- Describe effective treatment and prevention strategies, including pharmacological interventions, behavioral therapies, harm reduction approaches, and prevention strategies aimed at reducing addiction initiation and relapse
- Identify the risk of substance use disorder among healthcare professionals and prevention strategies, exploring the factors that contribute to substance use disorder among healthcare professionals, including increased access to medications, stress, and burnout
- Define prevention strategies, early intervention techniques, and resources available to support healthcare professionals struggling with addiction
Speaker Biography:
Chris graduated with honors from Ohio Northern University in 1977 earning a BSPharm degree and was awarded membership in the Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honor Society. He has over 25 years experience in retail and long-term-care pharmacy. Mr. Hart has designed and developed the course Chemical Dependency and the Pharmacist, which he has instructed at 6 colleges of pharmacy simultaneously. While he has retired from Ohio Northern University, University of Toledo, and Cedarville University, he continues to teach at the University of Findlay, Northeast Ohio College of Medical Sciences, and The Ohio State University. Mr. Hart has created a program on the proper handling of chemically dependent pharmacists and has lectured for Cardinal Health and Amerisource at their annual Retail Business Conferences. Chris has also appeared before the Ohio Pharmacy Consortium to discuss the value of chemical dependency education in pharmacy core curriculum. Chris is also a graduate of the University of Utah School of Alcoholism and other Chemical Dependencies. Mr. Hart is on the board of directors of the Tuscarawas ADAMHS Board. In addition, Chris also teaches a course on the history of pharmacy, often appearing in period costumes. Chris Hart was recently awarded the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy Lifetime Commitment and Achievement Award. When not on the road, Chris and his wife Susie enjoy biking and traveling. Chris’s hobbies include reading, hiking and appearing on stage at the local community theater. Mr. Hart is also an ordained minister. He has retired as pastor at the Birds Run Community Church but remains available for period weddings.