Jul25 Activism for mental health patients!

WinonaWinona Raw Newbie

Esmin died after waiting 24 hours to be admitted to the mental hospital. If you’re in NYC, join the candlight vigil to end this injustice! (Details at the end of this page)

“Esmin Elizabeth green fell out of her chair in the waiting room of Brooklyn’s largest psychiatric hospital nearly an hour before anyone realized she was in trouble. For 20 minutes, she writhed and twisted between two chairs under the watchful eye of a security camera whose footage would later be broadcast across the country, spurring a public outcry. Two security guards and two other staff members passed through the room and glanced at the 49-year-old woman, without bothering to check her vital signs or help her up.” http://www.newsweek.com/id/145870?from=rss?nav=slate

David Oaks, Executive Director of MindFreedom International states, “I encourage us all to reflect on the need for a deep nonviolent revolution in the field of mental health, far beyond the “reforms” that have gotten us to where we are today, with televised death via neglect of a mother of six”.

In 1875, a New York Times article cites abuses of inmates at the Kings County Asylum, spurred by Mr. Nelson Magee, a former inmate. Then-Commissioner Norris reacts to the investigation, “This sort of thing is very common among lunatics; they are always imagining themselves in great danger of being killed by their keepers”v. How many more centuries have to go by before action is taken to end these abuses and neglect? Massive human rights violations happen every day in psychiatric institutions but this horrific inaction was captured on videotape. We will call attention to the every day tortures committed in the name of psychiatric “help” including diagnosing life’s challenges as ’’illness,” forced pharmaceuticals, restraint, seclusion, and electric shock treatment (ECT) . We must stand united to demand social justice, equal rights, and environments free from torture and detention. On July 25, 2008, we invite all people to join us and stand united in support of the demand that everyone receive the full benefit of their human rights and the preservation of their liberty, dignity and respect. Who: All People.

What: Candle Light Vigil to mourn the loss of Ms. Esmin Elizabeth Green and condemn violations of human rights.

Why: WE THE PEOPLE call for an end of abuse, torture, and neglect in the wake of Ms. Green’s Death on June 19, 2008, while detained at Kings County Hospital Center’s Psychiatric Emergency Room.

Where: Kings County Hospital Center, Psychiatric Emergency Room, Building G. 606 Winthrop Street Brooklyn, NY 11203

Date: July 25, 2008

Time: 5 PM – 10 PM, Candle Light Vigil, 8:30 PM

We welcome your involvement as an organizational co-sponsor or an individual endorser of this effort. If you would like to speak at this event, please contact us.

[v] Retrieved July 9, 2008 from http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?r…

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