National Schizophrenia Awareness Day – May 24

May 24 is National Schizophrenia Awareness Day (NSAD). This special observance helps to raise public awareness about schizophrenia.

NSAD, which is sponsored by the National Schizophrenia Foundation, occurs annually on May 24 -- the day which psychiatric patients were unshackled from the walls of the Bicetre Asylum in Paris in 1793. NSAD is also known as Pinel Day.

Dr. Phillipe Pinel, appointed chief physician at the facility that year, ordered this action in response to his assessment of “treatment” conditions. To many, it marks the beginning of humane treatment for the mentally ill. Yet, despite today’s effective therapies, many afflicted with schizophrenia and related disorders remain confined by societal misperceptions, fear and ignorance.

Participate in National Schizophrenia Awareness Day:

Rio Bravo Fundraiser

Chicago Conference

Community Kit Contains: News Release NSAD Flyer Supporting Agencies Schizophrenia Background High Cost What it is