NARSAD is a private, not-for-profit public charity 501(C)(3) organized for the purpose of raising funds for scientific research into the causes, cures, treatments and prevention of severe psychiatric brain disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression. NARSAD's role is crucial because for the first time in the history of medical research, there is real hope for conquering the devastating disorders of schizophrenia, depression and other psychiatric illnesses. This hope is made possible through today's amazing array of new technological advances which enable scientists to begin unraveling the mysteries of the brain. NARSAD is able to step in at a time when government funding is diminishing, and health plans are cutting back research funds available to outstanding private medical research institutions.

We cannot, as a society, lose the impetus toward breakthrough medical research progress at a time when understanding of the functioning of the human brain, of behavior, and of the biology of the cell itself, brings us ever closer to breakthroughs. www.narsad.org

The NARSAD Artworks products showcase museum-quality art by talented artists whose lives share or have shared the common bond of mental illness. NARSAD Artworks is a volunteer 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation. All proceeds flow to causes supporting the mentally ill, especially scientific research.

NARSAD Artworks mission is to raise funds for local projects, for state and local advocacy and for research through NARSAD, the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression and to promote public education and destigmatization of mental illness and provide self-esteem and income for artists who suffer from mental illness and finally to  employ the mentally ill where feasible.

NARSAD Artworks began nationwide marketing in early 1990 and has grown consistently since. It was born out of the search by its founders, Patsy and Hal Hollister, for a way that the art works of their daughter, Annick, stricken by schizophrenia in 1978, might be used to help her. That thought expanded into putting to work, on their behalves, art by any artist suffering from mental illness. www.narsadartworks.org

Lee and Bob Peterson have been involved with NARSAD since its founding in 1986. When their son was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young man and the recommendation of the medical profession was to hospitalize him, the Petersons said “No, we do not and will not settle for that. There must be something better; there will be something better.” And they set about finding it.  The Peterson’s move to Florida was the genesis of NARSAD here; to meet Lee and Bob is to be swept into their passion for their cause.We believe that art in its many forms has the capacity to touch people in a profound, fundamental way. Entertaining performances are our key (and now proven!) strategy for presenting information about mental illness, overcoming barriers, achieving new understanding and attracting new supporters.  www.narsadflorida.org