Who We Are

Friends are Good Medicine was established in November of 1986. It was the first county-wide clearinghouse in the Central Valley. The directory was first published in 1987 to publicize support groups. This made mutual-aid available to everyone.

What We Do

We act as an information and assistance source to the groups in our database. We promote the concept of self-help in both the general and professional community. We provide leadership training, consultation and assistance to groups, and information sheets on topics of interest to self-helpers.

What You Should Know

A peer leads any group that is described as a self-help group. A professional or paraprofessional in the field leads any group that is described as a support group. Friends endorse no group. Visit a group to see if it is for you. Groups are different from each other even when they have the same name or purpose. Most groups are free; some ask for a donation.

Questions or comments about this site may be sent to bhrshelpdesk@stanbhrs.org