DEPRESSION
AND BIPOLAR SUPORT
The Depression and Bipolar Support
Alliance (DBSA) is the leading patient-directed national
organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses. The
organization fosters an environment of understanding about the impact and
management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically-based
tools and information written in language the general public can understand.
DBSA supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, develop more effective
and tolerable treatments and discover a cure. The organization works to ensure
that people living with mood disorders are treated equitably. DBSA was founded
in 1985.
DBSA has a grassroots network of nearly 1,000
patient-run support groups across the country. Our peer-led
chapters and support groups serve about 70,000 people every year. Support
groups play an important role in recovery with 86 percent of support group
members reporting that their group helped with treatment adherence. This is a
key finding because treatment adherence means fewer hospital stays, which in
turn means lower insurance costs, greater employee productivity and
significantly increased quality of life. DBSA has 17 state organizations and
more than 400 chapters across
DBSA publishes more than two dozen educational
materials about living with mood disorders, all available free of
charge. Its educational materials have no medical or scientific jargon, and
convey a message of hope and optimism. All materials are reviewed by patients
to ensure the contents are targeted for patients and their families.
DBSA helps when people need it most:
before diagnosed, when first diagnosed, and when treatment isn’t working.
Local Chapters
DBSA HUP
Contact 1: Denis Hazam
Phone: (215) 552-8737
Email: denis@hazam.org
DBSA Pink and Blues
Contact 1: Mark A. Davis
Phone: (215) 627-0424
Fax: (215) 790-6849
Email: madpride1988@yahoo.com
Website: www.pinkandblues.org
DBSA Friends For Friends
Contact 1: Christine Summers
Phone: (215) 831-7809
Contact 2: Robert Wagner
Additional Phone: (215) 831-7809
Email: rwagner1440@hotmail.com
Contact 1: Ronald L. Berman
Phone: (610) 604-0727
Fax: (610) 415-0145 Attn: Ron Berman
Contact 1: Ellery & Barbara Pierson
Phone: (610) 935-4422
Fax: (610) 415-0145
Email: bepierson@verizon.net