People with schizophrenia, families, friends, healthcare professionals and members of the community are invited to attend an educational event addressing the challenges of living with schizophrenia and offering insights about management of and support for this condition. Speakers will discuss a variety of topics, from diagnosis and relapse to local advocacy, family support and crisis intervention, among others. A question and answer session will follow.

Saturday, December 4, 2010
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Doubletree Hotel San Diego/Mission Valley
7450 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108
Parking is free.
The hotel is also directly accessible on the San Diego Trolley Green Line, Hazard Center Station.
A light lunch will be provided for attendees.

Funding for this program is provided by 
Janssen®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
This program was developed by Janssen® in collaboration with
Mental Health America of San Diego County.

http://www.mhasd.org

As a chronic, severe and potentially disabling psychiatric illness, schizophrenia can have a profound effect on individuals and their families, as well as on communities. Despite the development of new treatment options, existing supportive services and general understanding of this illness, more needs to be done to educate about available resources, reduce stigma and advocate for patients and their families.

Join a panel of experts, advocates, people with schizophrenia and caregivers for an in-depth discussion of challenges and unmet needs faced by people with schizophrenia and their caregivers, and learn about services and support.  

• Bill Gore, San Diego County Sheriff, will discuss the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) crisis intervention resource, the Behavioral Health Court and San Diego County's penal system.
• Jennifer Schaffer, Ph.D., San Diego County Behavioral Health Division Director, will discuss County behavioral health services available to the public.
• Raphael Morris, M.D. of PsyCare Associates, Inc., will discuss the paths physicians take in diagnosing and treating schizophrenia and how he helps patients manage their illness, including dealing with co-occurring conditions such as substance abuse and addiction. He'll also explore how lack of insight about the illness can be challening for patients and how it affects compliance.
• Gloria Harris, Ph.D., will share how caring for two sons with schizophrenia affected her life and led her to acquire extensive knowledge of local resources and become a leader in the mental health community.
• Bill MacPhee, a national patient advocate, CEO and founder of SZ Magazine, who after being diagnosed with schizophrenia over 20 years ago, has found stability in his life. Bill MacPhee is a paid consultant by Janssen® for his participation in this program.

Translators in Spanish, Tagalog and Swahili will be available during the question and answer portion of the event.