Message from SARDAA, CEO
Dear Friends,
Kudos to all of you who have had the courage and strength to cope with these challenging times. Masks, personal distancing and socially isolating can be difficult to endure for anyone but especially for individuals living with a serious neuropsychiatric brain illness, their family and caregivers. We are all becoming more accustomed to virtual support and visits but the lack of personal touch is a significant loss to our comfort and joy.
CONGRATULATIONS Schizophrenia Alliance: Psychosis Support and Acceptance (SA)! 35 years of providing support to thousands of individuals living with psychosis and helping each one to know that they Are Not Alone. SA was a pioneer and the innovative group to provide virtual support groups – starting in 2009. Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) is proud and honored to provide the administrative tools for SA to continue the groups’ vitally important role in lives affected by schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric brain illnesses that include psychosis. Thank you, Sandy Dimiterchik for your exceptional leadership!
Sincerely,
Message from SARDAA, BOD Chair
SARDAA is accepting applications for $500 maximum grants for caregivers of individuals living with a neuropsychiatric brain illness.
If you are interested in receiving an application, please contact:
Joan Todd
Message from FFC, Families for Care, Coordinator With regard to self care, of which we 'carers' need make a priority each day, I am reminded of the nurture of nature. In the words of a talented, yet challenged, artist and writer friend of mine “Nature is a constant and continuing refreshment and renewal”. She comes from a line of family members which highly value nature in their lives. While biding my time in a waiting room awhile ago (pre pandemic!) I opened an Audubon magazine (Fall 2019 issue) and in it, also affirming of nature, I read “The Nature Antidote~Even small doses of green space bring health benefits, restoring not just your body but your mental well being too”. This was a quote by novelist/poet Margaret Atwood. Also noted in the magazine was the guidance to “Live within a ten minute walk of a quality park or green space”, regarding which '287 city mayors pledged to support city residents living within a ten minute walk of a green space by 2050'. This sounds like wise city planning. A touch of nature in our lives guarantees it has rewards for us.
With Heart,
Message from SA Staff Supporter
What does the term “adjunct” mean concerning SA groups?
35th Anniversary of Schizophrenia Alliance (SA) Support Groups
35 years ago this month, Joanne Verbanic started Schizophrenics Anonymous. According to her biography in the Blue Book, pages 30-31, she “wanted to help less fortunate people with schizophrenia.” The group was initially called Schizophrenics Anonymous, and after a couple of name changes, is now Schizophrenia Alliance: Psychosis Support and Acceptance. The support groups have helped thousands of people domestically and internationally who have schizophrenia or related disorders. That includes a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, depression with psychosis, or experience with psychosis.
Nora Baylerian, who has been a SA group leader since March 1995, over 25 years said this about Joanne:
“Joanne was a very special person. She did so much to help others. She was raising two boys on her own along with having a brain illness. She had a legacy with brain disorders even though she passed away May 7, 2015. We are continuing her legacy by holding SA groups and helping people with brain disorders.”
Coronavirus Guidelines for SA Groups
After weeks of mandatory stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus pandemic, some communities are beginning to reopen. The reopening is at different stages throughout the U.S., depending on where you live.
SA groups should continue to conduct virtual meetings until notified otherwise by SARDAA. As we plan to start SA face-to-face groups again, here are some things to consider:
I would be happy to set up a Zoom meeting to discuss any changes that need to be made. Also, you should be in contact with your SA group members so that when it is time to start the meetings again, everybody is ready.
State Chapter News
SARDAA Chapter Opens in Delaware
It’s official – SARDAA has a new state chapter in Delaware!
SARDAA Chapter Opens in Florida
To date, I have filed for and received an EIN (Employer Identification Number), which is free from the federal government. I have also formed a limited liability corporation – SARDAA Florida State Chapter, LLC – so that I can engage in fundraising.
I am so grateful that Linda Stalters and Joan Todd are providing me with all of the training materials that I need. I am going through them and have set forth some wheels in motion with regard to SA groups, FFC groups, volunteers to help me, and just educating myself; this is a journey and not a race. We’ve already had a “leaders” Zoom-type call, which helped me immensely feel less overwhelmed. I’ve got this. You can too. I really look forward to meeting other state chapter leads and volunteers in any capacity. Let’s do this together. We can lean on each other. Who is with me?
SARDAA MD State Chapter is actively seeking volunteers for our MD state advocacy committee. Activities include calls and written testimony in support of legislation reform. All you need is a desire to support mental health reform and he a resident of Maryland. We’re currently focused on increasing hospital bed availability, applying for the IMD exclusion waiver, revising the “danger standard” for treatment, reducing police involvement in mental health calls, and implementing Mobile crisis centers.
Interested parties should contact Laura.Pogliano@sardaa.org.
From Evelyn Burton, SARDAA MD advocacy chair: Testimony submitted to Montgomery County, MD Council to apply for IMD Exclusion waiver for serious brain disorders And implement a mobile crisis model akin to Crisis Now in Maricopa County, AZ.
Join Our New Support Community
SARDAA is partnering with Inspire — an online health community — to present Inspire's first group dedicated to schizophrenia and related brain illnesses. In the midst of these challenging, isolating times, SARDAA’s partnership with Inspire provides a free, safe, and encouraging way for you to connect with others and get support.
Inspire offers a safe space for all to experience an anonymous online forum to share support, stories, and assistance. Unlike some forums, Inspire is monitored 24/7 to keep it safe for participants. This community allows you to connect on a personal level with others who have been affected by schizophrenia and related brain illnesses. Even though you must create an account to participate, your posts will not appear with your name, so your privacy is maintained.
How to Join the Inspire Support Community
We hope that our presence on Inspire will grow our community, help connect with others, and encourage greater awareness of SARDAA’s work and mission. For questions or concerns, contact info@inspire.com for help.
Click here to join our new schizophrenia spectrum support community.
Join the SARDAA Champions Circle and Be a Champion for Change
SARDAA invites you to join our Champions Circle. By becoming a SARDAA Champion, you will join the ranks of other loyal supporters to help promote hope and recovery for people affected by schizophrenia and related brain illnesses.
How You Can Be a Champion for Change
As a SARDAA Champion, you will receive the following benefits:
Click here to join the SARDAA Champions Circle today!
Brains on the Beach Virtual Event Replay Now Available for Viewing! Not able to join us virtually on March 21st for Brains on the Beach? You are invited to learn about solutions to neurological brain disorders that affect over 25 million Americans and over 1 billion people worldwide via virtual replay.
Register here for the Replay
11 million Americans suffer from schizophrenia or bipolar brain illness with psychosis. These are the most devastating diseases and yet 50% are not treated but left homeless, incarcerated or worse. Still a taboo subject for many – let’s break the silence and talk about what can be done. Judge Steven Leifman - Keynote
Families For Care Grant Program
SARDAA is accepting applications for $500 maximum grants for caregivers of individuals living with a neuropsychiatric brain illness. Our grant program aims to support caregivers during an exceptionally challenging time through small grants of up to $500 according to their need. Donate HERE: https://sardaa.org/donate2/
Social Media Team Are you or someone you know a Social Media expert?
Call Center Team We are seeking volunteers experienced in working with individuals and their loved ones affected by psychosis brain illnesses to answer phone inquiries.
Communications Team We are seeking volunteers to assist the Communications Team making calls to build database for resources.
Please contact: Angel 240-423-9432 or angel.white@sardaa.org
We welcome all forms of art to be considered for inclusion in our newsletters and instagram. To submit your art please email angel.white@sardaa.org or mail to 2308 Mount Vernon Ave., Suite 207, Alexandria, VA 22301-1328.
Personal Story of SA member
Kathy It was late 1988 and early 1989 and I was having difficulty at work. I was sent to the Employee Assistance Program and given the choice to seek help or be dismissed. I chose to get help only by way of family intervention. After three months in day-hospital I returned to a different job at the same company. I had a therapist who recommended to me that a support group would be good for me, so I joined Joanne’s SA group in Southfield.
Schizophrenia Alliance was a place for me to learn about mental health. I was very depressed about many things. For instance, just having an illness was difficult. I didn’t understand the illness and how it affected me in terms of stigma, personal status, economic factors, and relationships. My dream and desires had been altered. What I didn’t know was that this was the turning point or motivational level I needed to get back on track. That’s what SA has done for me.
As I was recovering and getting my self-esteem back, I started graduate school. My new boss promoted me after two years, and in 1993 I received my M.A. degree from Eastern Michigan University. I also became a group leader for SA for about two years. Later I started giving speeches about the importance of SA, and in 1995 became a statewide speaker for Schizophrenia Alliance. SA helped me integrate my illness into myself, by understanding others.
SA helped me look at myself and to make decisions that would integrate my person and illness into one. I started to become more sociable, realizing that I had to try twice as hard as the normal person to accomplish the same goal. I worked very hard at my interpersonal skills. I learned by doing my master’s that stigma can only affect me if I let it.
Today I feel whole emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I feel sound. I’ve been inspired by SA to consider taking additional college coursework in social work. I hope this will inspire others to try to overcome adversity and recover to the best of their capabilities–-and to be happy with themselves. I think that it’s important to remember that one has to do homework in order to get a grade. And the grade someone wants as a person is up to him or her.
Become a SARDAA State Chapter Lead, State Chapter Member, or Families for Care Group Leader
SARDAA is the only advocacy organization focused on psychosis, the most debilitating symptom of brain illness.
Are you interested in starting a SARDAA State chapter, being a chapter lead, or member? Leading a local Families For Care support group? Helping other families in their journey through brain illness?
Please contact Laura Pogliano, laura.pogliano@sardaa.org or call 240-423-9432.
We will send you all the info you need to get help for your family & find resources on brain illness, and also information on starting a State chapter, becoming a member and forming a local support group.
We need you! Join us in making a difference.
Our mission: improving the lives of people living with psychosis!
New Spanish FFC Zoom Group
Grupo para Familiares de Pacientes con Trastornos Mentales
Día y horario: Frecuencia quincenal, días viernes de 19:00 a 21:00 hs., 9 PM ET
Nuestro objetivo es desarrollar una alianza positiva que sostenga a los pacientes en la comunidad, minimice las recaídas y disminuya la tensión en la dinámica familiar. Cuando una persona es diagnosticada con Trastorno mental severo, como la Esquizofrenia, la familia entra en una etapa de desorganización, se altera la vida normal y la convivencia se ve afectada.
La familia es un soporte fundamental para el cuidado de los pacientes con esquizofrenia y otros trastornos mentales relacionados.
Day and time:1st and 3rd Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., 9 PM ET
Our goal is to develop a positive partnership that sustains patients in the community, minimizes relapses, and lessens stress on family dynamics. When a person is diagnosed with Severe Mental Disorder, such as Schizophrenia, the family enters a stage of disorganization, normal life is disrupted and coexistence is affected.
The family is a fundamental support for the care of patients with schizophrenia and other related mental disorders.
Support Groups
Sun - 7 PM ET Tues - 1 PM ET Wed - 1 PM ET Thurs - 1 PM ET Fri - 2 PM ET
SA: Psychosis Support & Acceptance Sun 4 PM ET Spanish: Tues 7:30 PM ET
Register to join Support Group Conference calls and SA Zoom Meeting: HERE or call 240-423-9432
Families For Care Zoom Meeting Not for individuals diagnosed Wed 6 PM ET - Register with Donna Floridasardaa@gmail.com Sun 2 PM ET - Register with laura.pogliano@sardaa.org Spanish: First and Third Fridays 9 PM ET - Register Here
Inspire Support Community For caregivers and individuals diagnosed
Facebook Support Groups
Only for individuals diagnosed
Only for Caregivers
SARDAA Support For caregivers and individuals diagnosed
Diagnosed, Caregivers, Professionals
Career Chat for People with Schizophrenia or Related Disorders Only for individuals diagnosed
SARDAA has chosen eBay for Charity so you can directly support SARDAA when you sell and buy items on eBay For more information visit: eBay for Charity
Podcast Reports on the Successful Criminal Mental Health Project in Miami Similar to most jails in the U.S., those in Miami-Dade County often served as mental health facilities for people with serious brain illnesses who were being processed through the criminal justice system. This podcast reports on Miami-Dade County’s Criminal Mental Health Project, which has been successful in diverting people with mental health issues away from serving time in jail.
Established in 2000, the Criminal Mental Health Project achieved results in just a few years, with the recidivism rate among the misdemeanor population dropping from 72% to 20% and the numbers of people in local jails significantly reduced. In fact, by 2014 the county was able to close one of its jails. The Criminal Mental Health Project is now used as a national model of how to handle the interaction between mental illness and criminal justice.
In this episode—"In Miami, Jailing Fewer, Treating More”—radio station WLRN’s reporters Nadege Green and Daniel Rivero talk to the judge who started the program, as well as demonstrate how peer specialists, counselors, and police officers help effectively shift the focus from arresting people with serious brain health issues to providing services and treatment. Click here to listen to podcast Click here for a tool kit for criminal justice reform
Brain-wave EEG Signature Robustly Predicted Antidepressant Response Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Researchers have reported an important step forward in the search for objective biology-based markers on which to base treatment decisions for depression.
COVID-19 in People with Schizophrenia Medscape Jeffrey A. Lieberman, MD June 15, 2020 Jeffrey Lieberman, MD, director of the New York State Psychiatric Institute and psychiatrist-in-chief at the Columbia University Medical Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, helps us understand how COVID-19 affects patients with schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses.
Research Strategies and Priorities to Improve the Lives of People With Schizophrenia Bulletin Advance Access Steven M. Silverstein, Bita Moghaddam, Til Wykes January 28, 2014 What kind of a thing is schizophrenia? What causes it? Can it be cured or prevented? These questions have challenged researchers for over 100 years. However, despite
Veterans With Schizophrenia or Bipolar at Increased Risk of Dementia, Study Finds Psychiatric News Alert, American Psychiatric Association Veterans with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are significantly more likely to develop dementia than veterans without these disorders, according to a study published today in Psychiatric Services in Advance.
“The VHA [Veterans Health Administration] serves an aging patient population, and it is important to understand risk factors for incident dementia among VHA patients,” wrote Eileen Ahearn, M.D., Ph.D., of the William S. Middleton Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, and colleagues. “The study reported here confirmed prior studies indicating that individuals with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia have increased risk of dementia onset, even when the analysis controls for general medical comorbidities.”
Webinar - Widely Prescribed Stimulants and teh Risk of Psychosis in Young People with ADHD Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 2:00 pm ET The prescription use of stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall (methylphenidate and amphetamine, respectively) for the treatment of ADHD has been increasing. In 2007, the FDA mandated changes to drug labels for stimulants, based on findings about increased risk for psychosis. We studied whether the risk of psychosis in patients with ADHD differs among various stimulant types and found that patients prescribed amphetamine were at a higher risk of new psychosis requiring treatment with antipsychotic medicines than patients who had been prescribed methylphenidate.
Presenter: Lauren Moran, M.D. Harvard Medical School/McLean Hospital Moderator: Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D. President & CEO, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
Study Finds Changes in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder Over 20 Years Brain & Behavior Research Foundation A study covering the 20 years between 1997 and 2016 shows that substantial changes have occurred in the way doctors are treating outpatients diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
When Cities Stop Sending Police to Mental Health Emergencies 1A Across America James Morrison July 6, 2020 Police officers are not social workers, yet they’ve become the “de facto facilitators of mental health care in America,” according to a 2019 survey of law enforcement. But with protesters calling to defund the police after an officer killed George Floyd in late May, change may be coming.
Cities nationwide have already begun diverting budget funds from police departments to social workers and public services. San Francisco Mayor London Breed says police will no longer respond to non-criminal calls and mental health emergencies. New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio wants to redirect $1 billion away from the city’s police budget and into social services.
FDA Says IQOS Tobacco Heating System Can Be Marketed with "Reduced Exposure" Information The FDA has authorized the marketing of Philip Morris Products S.A.’s IQOS Tobacco Heating System as modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs).
First allowed to be sold by the FDA in April, 2019, the IQOS is an electronic smoking device that heats tobacco-filled sticks wrapped in paper to generate a nicotine-containing aerosol. Although the aerosol produced by the IQOS system contains fewer toxic chemicals than conventional cigarette smoke, the amount of nicotine delivered is similar to that of cigarettes. As a result, using this heat-not-burn product is less risky compared to conventional cigarettes and may even help smokers quit.
Family Environment May Influence Subsequent Functional Outcomes in Patients with First-episode Psychosis (FEP), New Research Suggests Medscape Liam Davenport July 7, 2020 A study of more than 300 patients with FEP showed that although family environment was not associated with functioning at initial presentation, an interaction developed over time that could have "important implications for early interventions for both patients and caregivers," investigators report.
The results highlight the need for intervention in patients with FEP as well as their families, study co-investigator Norma Verdolini, MD, PhD, Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Spain, told Medscape Medical News
Help Support Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America
1. Sign in to your Amazon account at amazon.com/smile.
Shop with PayPal and choose SARDAA to Donate with PayPal Giving Fund to help support SARDAA.
Texas and Louisiana Friends: You can support SARDAA without spending a penny! Register Schizophrenia and Related Disorders on your Kroger Plus Card and they will donate a percentage to SARDAA each time you use your card.
Please register online at www.krogercommunityrewards.com
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