/24-7PressRelease/ - Riverside, CA, April 18, 2008, Jo Ann R. Martin, President and Founder of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of California, has been recognized by Cambridge Who's Who for showing dedication, leadership and excellence in all aspects of nonprofit management.

Ms. Martin was diagnosed in the sixties with bipolar disorder (then known as manic-depressive disorder) and struggled with the symptoms of this severely disabling condition as she worked as an entertainer for 20 years. The disorder causes drastic mood shifts. She became stabilized in 1984 when doctors found a combination of medications that changed her life for the better. While on her journey toward wellness, Ms. Martin found that her community was deficient of support groups and resources for people suffering from bipolar disorder and decided to start an organization of her own. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of California offers important services to those suffering from depressive and bipolar disorders. As the president, Ms. Martin works tirelessly in advocating for educational programs, scheduling speakers, as well as raising money and awareness by organizing talent shows and art exhibits. The organization distributes information packets and educational materials, holds annual conferences and conducts surveys and support group meetings.

Ms. Martin was the only vocal music teacher for the blind in the state of Iowa in 1967 at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public School Music from Michigan State University. Ms. Martin has been honored by various organizations for her accomplishments: she received the Award for Dedication in the Mental Health Community in 2002 and the Dorothy Jefferson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000, as well as a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Assembly. Her work has been published in various peer-reviewed journals. In her spare time, Ms. Martin oversees building projects and landscaping, continues to paint various canvasses, perform at various events, lead support groups and supervises an annual state-wide conference for individuals and families that suffer from depressive and bipolar disorders. The next conference will be in northern California in October. For more information on the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of California, visit http://www.californiadbsa.org. An expert in nonprofit management and community outreach, Ms. Martin is available to speak with the media. Contact (951) 780-3366.

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