Originally published by Equal Opportunity (eop.com) in August 2025.
As Chief Pharmacist at NaphCare Rx, Darrelle Knight, PharMD, MSM, CCHP oversees a team of pharmacists and pharmacy techs who dispense medications for patients in correctional facilities nationwide. NaphCare is based in Birmingham, AL, and provides healthcare services in jails and prisons.
To assist those with acute mental health needs, Knight recently worked on a project developing systems to identify patients using minimal to no historical information for the patient.
"No two days are the same. I personally align with NaphCare's core values, specifically, 'We treat everyone how we want to be treated,' and believe it's lived out as a company."
"My role was to identify drug classes that could be used for the pilot program," she explains. "The program is still being developed, but I'm confident it'll have a positive impact on providing earlier intervention for patients experiencing a mental health crisis."
Knight has worked for NaphCare for 16 years. When she first learned about the company, she could tell it was a growing organization. Upon discovering its service offering in correctional healthcare, Knight knew there would always be an opportunity to make an impact. "I've always wanted to work with an underserved population," notes Knight. "NaphCare's service to incarcerated patients is what attracted me to the company, and NaphCare's commitment to incarcerated patients is why I'll stay for as long as I'm fortunate."
She adds that working for NaphCare is one of the best decisions of her career. "It's a great place to work because I enjoy the challenge of the fast-paced environment and the autonomy to make decisions in the best interest of our patients," she shares.
"No two days are the same. I personally align with NaphCare's core values, specifically, 'We treat everyone how we want to be treated,' and believe it's lived out as a company."
Knight advises young professionals to stay adaptable and be willing to learn as one's career industry changes.
"Growth happens outside of your comfort zone," she elaborates. "I don't fear change; I welcome it as an opportunity to grow and advance in my profession. I'm reminded to continue learning, maintain an open mind, and stretch beyond my comfort zone. For instance, instead of fearing artificial intelligence (AI) will take my place in the industry, I'm looking for a way to leverage it to help our patients."
To succeed in this field, Knight suggests young professionals stay current with what's happening in the medical community overall, not just in pharmacy. Be familiar with regulatory changes, insurance changes, and how AI will impact pharmacy and patient care.
“Ask yourself about the impact you want to have on the profession and how you plan to change as technology evolves,” she concludes.
