From Linda Stalters:
SARDAA 2019 Initiatives
It's hard to believe that the year is coming to a conclusion so quickly, but we have much to reflect on and share. Please view some of the initiatives SARDAA has been leading.
Our recent "Brains on Broadway" Symposium and Reception in NYC exceeded our expectations. As you know. we have built a broad coalition of people working together to change the treatment paradigm for people affected by psychosis brain syndromes. Based upon the very strong feedback from attendees and our panelists, we are actively planning a follow-on event in March to continue this important dialogue with additional families and stakeholders. I will share additional details over the next few weeks.
SARDAA's Reclassification framework was referenced within the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee budgeting process. Chairman Walden referenced my official statement within budget mark-up activities. He talked about the increasing need for better treatments for psychiatric conditions and the advances in better understanding in the underlying biology. He then went on to say that he agrees with SARDAA, and called us out by name, and included our talking points regarding serious concerns about future access to innovative therapies.
I was invited by the White House's Domestic Policy Council lead staff to meet discuss SARDAA's work and mental health policies. Our meeting was very encouraging and Steve Wagner, Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council at the White House and Leslie Ford, Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy Council shared that we provided them with new information. Please read the talking points here.
On December 19, 2019 our CEO Linda Stalters and Board Member Dr. Tim Murphy will represent you at the White House Summit on Transforming Mental Health Treatment to Combat Homelessness, Violence & Substance Abuse.
Also:
SARDAA Leadership to Participate in White House Coalition Meeting
SARDAA Founder and CEO, Linda Stalters, along with SARDAA Board of Directors member, Dr. Tim Murphy, have been invited to participate in the upcoming White House Summit on Transforming Mental Health Treatment to Combat Homelessness, Violence & Substance Abuse. Meeting on Thursday, December 19, 2019.
HHS Secretary Alex Azar, HUD Sec. Ben Carson, White House Counselor to the President, Kellyanne Conway, advocates for people with serious neurological brain illness and local and state leaders are expected to address an audience of approximately 140 mental health leaders from around the country.
Submitted by David E. Geiger, MEE, PE