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Founder of SA
“People with serious mental illnesses including schizophrenia, die an average of 25 years younger than the general population.”- National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, 2006
That disturbing statistic has compelled me, and a group of other caring and thoughtful people, to take action. It is with sincere gratitude to hear you also care about this forgotten population, and you are willing to learn about our new effort underway and how you can help. I am honored to let you know about our new organization, the Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA).
We can, and must, do something to improve the lives of individuals with these illnesses and their families. They are our families, neighbors, friends and co-workers. In fact, one out of every one hundred people has schizophrenia, so undoubtedly you know someone who is affected.
SARDAA’s mission is to promote hope and recovery for persons with schizophrenia and related disorders through support programs, education and advocacy. By serving as a national voice representing all individuals whose lives are affected by schizophrenia, SARDAA will reduce stigma and fight for better treatments for those who suffer from this illness.
The members of the SARDAA Board of Directors are committed to building an effective organization with a solid infrastructure. We expect to be granted 501(c)3 status as a Maryland corporation in the coming months. Until such time, we have secured a fiscal agent, Mental Health America (MHA), to manage our funds in a restricted account. MHA is a century-old nonprofit with a multi-million dollar annual budget and a mission to support quality mental health care for all. You can visit mentalhealthamerica.net for more details, including annual financial reports, from MHA.
One thing is for sure: without accurate information, empowerment, recovery-oriented services and someone to turn to, an individual with schizophrenia has little hope of leading a life to their full potential. That is where you can help SARDAA to help others who may have no where else to turn.
To date, we have received pledged support from several private sources. We need several more generous donors to help those with schizophrenia by making a tax-deductible contribution to SARDAA. The contribution will enable SARDAA to build its infrastructure – those things that make everything else possible. Initially we plan to build our website, providing links to the best resources available to help individuals and their families; print materials for dissemination; and most important, fund the professional talent needed to make this organization viable. This is the solid foundation necessary as we begin to improve lives and prevent so many premature deaths among our loved ones.
With your help, we can change the statistics and save lives.
Please send your check to:
SARDAA
P.O. Box 941222
Houston, TX 77094-8222
Please write your check to SARDAA.
Thank you,
Linda Whitten Stalters, MSN,APRN,BC,FAPA
Chair, SARDAA Board of Directors
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