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WEKU
WEKU
National
Eric Westervelt

Need help for loved ones with severe mental health illness? California has a plan

In Rancho Cordova, Calif., Diana and Lorrin Burdick host an informal support group lunch at their house for parents of children struggling with severe mental health problems, including schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. (Eric Westervelt/NPR)

On a recent afternoon Diana and Lorrin Burdick share pictures and swap stories with three other parents over a lunch of chicken curry sandwiches and fruit salad. They're hosting an informal but semi-regular support group at their home in suburban Rancho Cordova east of Sacramento.

"Yeah, she loves having family dinners. Sunday is family dinner day now," says Elizabeth Kaino Hopper as she and husband, Marvin, show a recent picture of their 37-year-old daughter, Christine.

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