Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance

Does FDA’s elimination of the clozapine REMS requirements have you wondering what to do next? Join us for a webinar on Wednesday, March 12 at noon ET, when we’ll discuss the implications of FDA’s momentous decision. Our panel of experts will talk about what pharmacies, prescribers and insurance companies can do to help make clozapine accessible to the people who need it – and what people with schizophrenia can do in the meantime. Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/4i1Scd5

Just released! Our Schizophrenia Medicines in Jeopardy report highlights a dangerous unintended consequence of the Inflation Reduction Act: threatening the development of new medicines for people with schizophrenia. The IRA was designed in part to lower medicine prices. But our report details how it unfairly targets the type of medicine that people with schizophrenia rely on. Our community cannot afford more barriers to effective treatment. Read the report to learn more: https://bit.ly/3QCRmHn

A big thanks to HealthWell Foundation for sharing this valuable information about #schizophrenia and the enormous challenges our community faces. We were proud to be featured in this article, as we work to dispel misinformation and stigma and shatter the barriers to treatment, survival and recovery for people with this severe brain disease.

The Inflation Reduction Act hits the schizophrenia community especially hard, as we rely on small-molecule medicines as part of best-practice treatment guidelines. The EPIC act would fix the IRA’s “pill penalty” to encourage development of the new treatments we so urgently need. https://lnkd.in/gnxNRMan

?????? BREAKING: WE DID IT!!! The clozapine REMS has been eliminated! Today, FDA posted a notice that the REMS “is no longer necessary to ensure the benefits of the medicine outweigh [the] risk” and that removing it “is expected to decrease the burden on the healthcare delivery system and improve access to clozapine.” (See full statement here: https://bit.ly/3XkpD1V.) This is a momentous day for everyone impacted by treatment-resistant schizophrenia – for those who rely on clozapine to manage their symptoms and allow them to thrive, and for their families, who have put so much energy into making this happen. We are grateful to all of our partners in this fight – American Psychiatric Association, NAMI, the Angry Moms, American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP), TAC - Treatment Advocacy Center, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, TEAM DANIEL Running for Recovery from Mental Illness, American Society Of Health-System Pharmacists Inc, CURESZ Foundation and the BLACK PSYCHIATRISTS OF AMERICA INC. Together, we can change the world for people with schizophrenia.

? Reminder! Tune in Thursday for the 3rd and final episode of our Innovations in Treatment webinar series: “Understanding the Cognitive Impact of Schizophrenia.” There’s still time to register: https://bit.ly/40NkBOh While cognitive impairment can exist even before symptoms appear, it may not be obvious – so it’s not always considered a key component of schizophrenia or an important treatment target. In this webinar, a diagnosed person, caregiver and clinicians will discuss the real-world impact of these symptoms and the importance of treating them to help people return to school, work and society.

? ?? There’s still time to give a Valentine’s Day gift that helps drive our mission and makes a loved one feel special at the same time. For your $25 gift, we’ll send your loved one a personalized Valentine’s Day email message to remind them they are loved – and that they are not alone. Valentine’s Day can be difficult for people living with #schizophrenia and psychosis. We’re working every day to support recovery from schizophrenia and to shatter the barriers that stand in the way. Because people with this disease deserve happiness. You can make your gift here: https://lnkd.in/e6byUNF. Click the “Write us a comment” box and provide your loved one’s first name and email address in the comments section. They will receive a personalized, supportive note on Feb. 14.??? ?? ??

We are deeply honored to be named STARR Advocate of the Year by The STARR Coalition! As our CEO, Gordon Lavigne, said during the awards presentation, "This honor belongs to our entire team, our board and most importantly, the individuals and families we serve." We are energized by the power and passion of the schizophrenia community, and it is our privilege to serve you as we work to shatter the barriers to treatment, survival and recovery for people with schizophrenia and psychosis.

Valentine’s Day can be difficult for people living with schizophrenia and psychosis. Amid the flurry of cards, the heart-shaped chocolate boxes and the flowers, many people with this brain disease are suffering from social isolation and loneliness. We are working every day to support recovery from schizophrenia and to shatter the barriers that stand in the way. Because people with this disease deserve happiness. They deserve to go on dates again, fall in love and live a meaningful life. This Valentine’s Day, you can help drive our mission and make a loved one feel special at the same time. For your $25 gift, we’ll send your loved one a personalized Valentine’s Day email message to remind them they are loved – and that they are not alone. You can make your gift here: https://lnkd.in/e6byUNF. Click the “Write us a comment” box and provide your loved one’s first name and email address in the comments section. They will receive a personalized, supportive note on Feb. 14.