2008 Accomplishments

1. 52 meetings were held every Wednesday (including Thanksgiving Eve and other holidays)
2. 500 different topics discussed on 23 categories over the year
3. Our focus on issues-oriented discussion has continued
4. Our Web-page with current topics discussed and other group contact information remained current, at least bi-monthly
5. Referrals to our group and from our group to other groups has continued
6. E-mail and telephone referrals continued at a high level
7. Information brochures were distributed to new members:
   1. BiPolar Bears group guidelines
   2. Other local Support Groups
   3. Government programs in Arizona summary
   4. Typical medications proscribed by group for:
      • Mood stabilizers
      • Antidepressants
      • Anti-anxiety
      • Anti-psychotics
   5. BiPolar Bears group Introduction
   6. DBSA Folders (as appropriate)
8. A single-page description of our group was updated for external use
9. We maintained a page of Social Security Standards for eligibility for BiPolar Disorder
10. We maintained databases to document our activities. We prepared weekly demographic reports (in special format) for the Mental Health Association
11. We compiled and distributed our Annual Report
12. We updated weekly registration form and databases to conform with potential HIPPA requirements
13. Completion of 13 years as Chair position by W. Philip Sawyer