BackOnTrackPA (First Episode Psychosis)

///BackOnTrackPA (First Episode Psychosis)
BackOnTrackPA (First Episode Psychosis) 2023-06-13T19:30:19+00:00

First Episode Psychosis Programs

#BackOnTrackPA is a statewide grassroots advocacy initiative to bring awareness to First Episode Psychosis programs in Pennsylvania.

First Episode Psychosis programs help young people with symptoms of serious mental illness get the treatment they need to get better, get their lives on track, and pursue their life goals.

Research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) shows that, compared to typical care, people with early psychosis who receive Coordinated Specialty Care in FEP programs (CSC-FEP) experience greater improvement in their symptoms, relationships, and quality of life; are more involved in work or school; and stay in treatment longer.

Pennsylvania has multiple FEP program sites across the state. To find a center near you, visit HeadsUp PA.

Statistics Show the Success Pennsylvania’s FEP Programs Are Having:

0%
Decrease In the Number of Participants Hospitalized
0%
Increase in Employment
0%
Decrease In the Number of Hospital Days
0%
Increase in School Enrollment
0%
Decrease in the Number of Individuals Attempting Suicide

About #BackOnTrackPA

The #BackOnTrackPA initiative includes a video series, legislative emails, informational meetings at FEP program sites, and a social media campaign.

Video Series

Ky’s Story

Kyran Phillips is a 26-year-old self-proclaimed “literature nerd.”  He’s also a Certified Peer Specialist at the Peer Support and Advocacy Network (PSAN). But Kyran’s life wasn’t always going in the right direction.  He started experiencing challenges with his mental health when he was a teenager and at age 22, he began experiencing psychosis. In this video, Ky explains how the ENGAGE First Episode Psychosis program helped him get back on track.

Legislative Email Series

Beginning in the summer of 2018 and continuing throughout the fall season, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania sent a series of emails to Pennsylvania lawmakers providing them with statistics on mental illness and information on First Episode Psychosis, FEP programs, and the Coordinated Specialty Care treatment model.

August 17, 2018: For Candidates and All Things Mental Health, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania Is Here to Help

August 31, 2018: Our State of Mind: The Facts about Mental Illness in Pennsylvania

September 14, 2018: What You Need to Know About PA’s First Episode Psychosis Programs

October 3, 2018: “Don’t Be Afraid of the Diagnosis:” FEP Programs Offer Hope for Psychosis Recovery

October 24, 2018: Mental Illness Matters – Before and After Nov. 6

Legislative Roundtables

NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania facilitated informational meetings between legislators who have FEP sites in their district and leaders and participants from those programs so lawmakers could better understand the positive impact FEP programs are having on individuals and their families.

February 2019
ENGAGE | Wesley Family Services | Allegheny County
Sen. Lindsey Williams (38th Senatorial District) and Rep. Frank Dermody (33rd Legislative District) join ENGAGE staff and program participants.

April 2019
STEP | UPMC | Allegheny County
Sen. Jay Costa (43rd Senatorial District) and a staff member from Rep. Dan Frankel’s (23rd Legislative District) office hear from participants and staff at UPMC’s STEP Clinic.

May 2019
A coalition of advocates who support First Episode Psychosis programs delivered a presentation in front of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Mental Health Caucus in Harrisburg.

Showcasing #BackOnTrackPA

May 2019

NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania publicly launched #BackOnTrackPA at its statewide Mental Health and Wellness Conference in Harrisburg. Coverage included a panel presentation on First Episode Psychosis, Q&A with the audience, and distribution of #BackOnTrackPA signs.

July 2019

Advocacy Director Nikki Dawson created a billboard to highlight the #BackOnTrackPA project for the National Institute of Mental Health’s annual meeting for its Outreach Partnership Program. The billboard, which included photos and captions, was on display during the Partner Sharing Session.

FEP Resources

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