Celebrating Advocacy Excellence: S&PAA Honored as STARR Advocate of the Year

The 2024 STARR Awards Celebration, held virtually on December 19th, brought together leaders in mental health advocacy, clinical research, and treatment innovation. Hosted by The STARR Coalition and emceed by the indomitable Matthew Shapiro, the event recognized exceptional contributions from individuals and organizations dedicated to improving mental health care and reducing stigma.

The STARR Coalition is proud to recognize the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA) as this year’s STARR Advocate of the Year. Recognized for their exceptional advocacy, S&PAA has been a steadfast leader in promoting awareness, supporting families, and driving systemic change in the field of schizophrenia and psychosis advocacy.

Jeff Winton, Founder of Rural Minds, presented the award, praising S&PAA’s impact, stating, “S&PAA has set a remarkable standard for what it means to be a champion for change. Their advocacy, education, and policy efforts have been instrumental in improving access to high-quality mental health care and supporting individuals living with schizophrenia and psychosis.”

Under the leadership of CEO Gordon Levine, S&PAA has made significant strides in advancing research, supporting early diagnosis, and creating accessible resources for individuals and families. Their work not only fosters greater understanding but also actively challenges systemic barriers that stand in the way of care.

Levine, accepting the award, acknowledged the collective efforts behind the organization’s success: “This honor belongs to our entire team—Nicole Gillen, Arun Nagendra, Marissa Shepherd, our board, and most importantly, the individuals and families we serve. Our mission is to fight discrimination, promote recovery, and ensure equal access to care. The journey for those living with schizophrenia and psychosis is often marked by inadequate treatment options, stigma, and a lack of support. Our country can do better, and we are dedicated to making that change a reality.”

Nicole Gillen, a caregiver and passionate advocate, reinforced the personal impact of this work: “For me, this is personal. Every day, I wake up determined to help create a better world for those affected by schizophrenia. STARR’s collaborative advocacy model is helping us drive meaningful change, and we’re grateful for this partnership.”

Similarly, Arun Nagendra, a psychologist and key member of the S&PAA team, reflected on the power of advocacy: “Coming from academia, I was amazed to discover this vast network of advocates working tirelessly to improve lives. It’s inspiring to be part of this movement, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute.”

At S&PAA, the fight for better mental health care is driven by a clear mission: to shatter barriers and improve the lives of those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis. Through groundbreaking programs, public policy initiatives, and relentless advocacy, S&PAA is leading the charge in transforming the landscape of mental health care.

Congratulations to S&PAA and Gordon Levine on this well-earned recognition. Your work embodies the very essence of advocacy, and we are honored to stand alongside you in the pursuit of a brighter future for all.  💚

For more information about the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance, or S&PAA, visit their website at sczaction.org.