Schizophrenia Awareness Week (SAW) is May 21-27, 2006. This special observance helps to raise public awareness regarding schizophrenia. Sponsored by the National Schizophrenia Foundation, SAW takes place the last full week (Sunday through Saturday) before Memorial Day each year. (Click here for future dates)

Since 1998, the NSF has recognized National Schizophrenia Awareness Day on May 24. However, because of the increased number of activities and the significance of the cause, the NSF has expanded the observance to a full week for 2005.

Schizophrenia Awareness Week honors the work of Dr. Philippe Pinel, a major figure in the early efforts to provide humane care and treatment for the mentally ill. Appointed chief physician at the men's "insane" asylum in Paris in the late 18th Century, Dr. Pinel was horrified to see the patients restrained to walls by chains. Although warned against it, Dr. Pinel took a bold and unprecedented move to remove the chains from the patients.