Source: USA Today
Kody Green’s journey with schizophrenia started in college, leading to drug abuse and prison. Diagnosed at 21, traditional treatments only partly helped. Four years later, Luna, his Jack Russell terrier mix, became his lifeline, aiding him in identifying and coping with hallucinations and preventing self-harm. Psychiatric service dogs, like Luna, offer valuable support, enhancing independence and well-being for those with schizophrenia.
Despite their benefits, accessibility to trained service dogs remains limited due to high costs and lack of coverage by insurance providers. Green advocates for reducing stigma surrounding schizophrenia and improving access to resources, aiming to make support more accessible to others in need. Through his advocacy, he hopes to change perceptions of schizophrenia from a negative stereotype to a condition with hope and effective management.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2024/04/05/schizophrenia-hallucinations-psychiatric-assistance-dog/73171229007/