Our Vision: Every person with schizophrenia or a related disorder (mental illness involving psychosis) achieves recovery and a full life in a compassionate community free of stigma and discrimination.

Our Objectives:

• Promote hope and recovery for persons with schizophrenia and related disorders
• Eliminate the stigma and myths about schizophrenia
• Raise awareness so that early diagnosis and treatment increase the chance for recovery
• Ensure that consumer-driven and recovery-oriented services are fully accessible

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DSM-5 Draft Criteria Available for Public Comment

through April 20, 2010

The American Psychiatric Association is seeking your comments on proposed criteria for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health and other health professionals for diagnostic and research purposes. Proposed DSM-5 draft criteria will be available for review and comment at www.DSM5.org from February 10 to April 20, 2010.

Health professionals, consumers of mental health services and family members are invited to visit the site to review and comment on the draft criteria.

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Obama Administration Issues Rules Requiring Parity

in Treatment of Mental, Substance Use Disorders

Joint news release from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury announcing an interim final rule (IFR) providing guidance on how the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act must be implemented.

Public comments on the IFR will be accepted through May 3, 2010. Instructions for how to comment are included in the official notice.

Full release: Click here

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Friends and Family Support (FFS) Conference Call,

Second Wednesday each month, 7:00 PM Eastern

A chance to talk with others with similar experiences with friends and loved ones.

You are not alone.

Call-in (712) 432-0600 Pass code: 433934#

(Note: Not a Toll Free Number)

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NIMH: Childhood Schizophrenia

If you know a child who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, please consider having him/her participate in an NIMH research study. More Information

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Listen to the Columbus Public Radio spot on schizophrenia.

The guests on the program were Todd Wessel (author of the book "The One And Only" about his great uncle and legendary football player Chic Harley who suffered from Schizophrenia), Kathryn Burns M.D. the medical director for ADAMH of Franklin County, and Darrell H. Click on the link above and scroll down to find the program. It lasts about one hour.

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This is a fantastic program representing the various perspectives and extraordinary and unique challenges facing all impacted by severe mental illness. SARDAA has contacted the campaign in a request to join their quest to educate. We have requested authorization to link with their website, as well. If anyone would like to use the program to show others and open a discussion, they will help you.

Watch it online here

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Can't find a local Schizophrenics Anonymous

Group meeting to attend?

Join the weekly Toll-free SA Conference Call Group

 Meeting each Sunday at 7:00PM Eastern

The call in information: (888)617-3400; Pass code: 1086548#

International Number: (760) 569-4400

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Spirit of Schizophrenics Anonymous

Monthly Toll-free Conference Call

A chance to discuss ideas and issues related to SA

Meetings with other SA Leaders.

First Wednesday of each quarter at 7:00PM Eastern

April 7, July 7, and October 6, 2010

The call in information: (888)617-3400; Pass code: 1086548#

International Number: (760) 569-4400

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