Including Caregivers in the Conversation: BMS Leads the Way

by NSSC Executive Director Ann Corcoran

As both a caregiver to someone living with a serious mental/brain illness,and through my work with the National Shattering Silence Coalition, I often encounter the deep frustration and heartbreak that comes from feeling unheard and unseen. Too often, families who know their loved ones best are shut out of the treatment process, despite being the ones most committed to their recovery and well-being. Who wants to see our loved ones recover and thrive more than we do?

That’s why I am profoundly grateful to Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) for inviting me to participate in the 2025 Schizophrenia Care Partner Summit on October 13th and 14th. BMS is leading the way in recognizing the essential role of care partners in the treatment and recovery journey. This summit was not just an event—it was a powerful statement that caregivers’ voices matter.

BMS is setting a new standard by engaging directly with care partners to learn from our lived experiences, understand the barriers to effective treatment, and explore how they can better support individuals living with schizophrenia and those who care for them. Their approach reflects compassion, respect, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes—not only through groundbreaking treatments like Cobenfy, but also by addressing the human side of care that is too often overlooked.

What made this summit so impactful was the incredible group of individuals and organizations who came together in the spirit of collaboration—advocates and leaders from NAMI affiliates, Clubhouse International, CURESZ, Caregiver Action Network, The STARR Coalition, Kompashion, and the National Alliance for Caregiving, alongside the dedicated team at BMS. Each person brought their passion, expertise, and shared mission to ensure that those living with schizophrenia and their families receive the support, dignity, and care they deserve.

This gathering was more than a conference—it was a reminder that change is possible when caregivers, advocates, researchers, and industry leaders work side by side. I left the summit feeling inspired and hopeful that our voices are finally being heard and that a brighter, more compassionate future for individuals living with schizophrenia is within reach.

To everyone at BMS and to all who participated, thank you for recognizing the value of caregivers and for fostering an environment where our perspectives truly matter. Together, we are shaping a system that not only treats illness, but also supports healing, understanding, and recovery.