Case Study: Supporting the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance’s Inaugural SPRING Summit and Advocacy Workshop

Barry Wallace
Jun 28, 2024
2 min read

Overview

In May 2024, the Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance (S&PAA) held its inaugural SPRING Summit and Advocacy Workshop in Washington, D.C. This two-day event aimed to address the critical barriers to treatment and recovery for individuals living with schizophrenia. The Shane Group was honored to provide comprehensive support for this significant gathering, which united a diverse group of stakeholders, including individuals affected by schizophrenia, family members, clinicians, law enforcement officials, and judges, to collaboratively develop a Roadmap to Recovery.

Goals and Objectives

The primary objectives of the SPRING Summit and Advocacy Workshop were:

Amplify Voices: Share experiences and identify the most significant barriers to schizophrenia treatment and recovery.
Foster Collaboration: Bring together diverse stakeholders to work on solutions for a more integrated healthcare system.
Launch Initiatives: Introduce the Schizophrenia Policy Action Network (SPAN) and outline its mission to advance policies and legislation.
Develop the Roadmap to Recovery: Create a comprehensive plan to guide future collaborative efforts.

The Shane Group’s Role

Venue Selection and Event Management

With careful attention to the goal of fostering collaboration, the Shane Group selected four distinct venues, each designed to foster collaboration between different groups of the organization’s stakeholders and attendees:

S&PAA Board of Directors: A high-end, private meeting space conducive to strategic planning and confidential discussions.
S&PAA Donors: An elegant venue that reflected the appreciation for donor contributions while encouraging open dialogue about future support.
Advocates: A dynamic environment that facilitated networking and the sharing of advocacy strategies.
Individuals with Lived Experiences: A safe and welcoming space where individuals could share their powerful stories and discuss their unique needs.

Understanding the importance of the inaugural event, the Shane Group strategically selected venues that created safe spaces for individuals living with schizophrenia, family members, clinicians, and other stakeholders to share powerful stories that highlighted significant unmet needs within the community, such as access to treatment, caregiver health, underrepresentation of Black and Latino voices, and lack of supportive housing.

Strategic Planning and Agenda Development

Working closely with S&PAA’s CEO and senior leadership, the Shane Group assisted in the strategic planning of the conference and the Advocacy Workshop agenda. The focus was to ensure that panels and workshops pinpointed barriers and brainstormed solutions to create a more integrated and supportive healthcare system. This involved:

Conclusion

The SPRING Summit and Advocacy Workshop was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to address critical issues and develop actionable solutions. The Shane Group’s strategic planning, adaptability, and problem-solving skills ensured a seamless and impactful event, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in overcoming the challenges faced by the schizophrenia community. We are proud to have supported S&PAA in this vital endeavor and look forward to continued collaboration in driving positive change.