MH Press Conference: Georgia State Capitol, Tuesday, January 23, 9:00am..

Related to a previous blog post regarding Andy Miller and Alan Judd's AJC articles, forwarding the following in its latest version to hit my inbox.. Resource thanks go out to my friends and mentors over at disABILITY LINK.. In their words,

This is an opportunity for cross disability advocacy - concern for the "services" people receive in state institutions - whatever their disability label.

Thanks for always being there.. :WINK:

Speaking elsewise most respectfully from these shoes that have been there (else it would never have crossed my mind to even say it, ya know, ya know?): To those who will tokenly stand out in this latest mess that is our state's mental health care system, psychiatric survivors will invariably seek you out as the kind and knowing soul who is saying what they wish they had the stremgth, energies, and position to say themselves that very moment, too..

When these sometimes otherwise labeled "consumer survivors" do reach out, answer their phone calls and return their emails, even if it's just to say, "I really don't have an answer for you in your specific case.. You need to take the next step forward by speaking with [these people].." The Life most assuredly in crisis at the other end will 1) appreciate your honesty and integrity and 2) appreciate you are not just in it for the limelight..

Press Conference will be given jointly by the Mental Health Services Coalition--*ALL MENTAL HEALTH-FOCUSED ORGANIZATIONS* (strength in numbers and unity)

Tuesday, 2007-01-23- 9:00am
Senate Press Office
Paul D. Coverdell Leglslative Office Building, Room 201
Atlanta GA State Capitol

Please call, email, write, arm twist or hawg tie your State Senators and Representatives to come.

Nora Lott Haynes
Email: haygreg@aol.com.

Crossposted: Six. Almost Seven...

"A Hidden Shame": AJC Investigation into Georgia Mental Health Care Hospitals..

***HIGH Trigger warning on this lead for consumer or psychiatric survivors***

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PLEASE NOTE: The reporters and those who assist them are putting together a very extensive investigation into Georgia's mental health care hospitals.. In several places, they give readers the opportunity to provide feedback, either through online comment forms or a phone number for one on one contact..

Overwhelming amount of information regarding the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's newest investigation(s) into what they state as "at least 115 patients from Georgia's state psychiatric hospitals who have died under suspicious circumstances during the past five years".. The reporters have presented so much information, it would be taking a huge chance on copyright infringement with respect to reposting from this keyboard..

Theoretically, this series of articles all starts here:

A HIDDEN SHAME: About this series
www.ajc.com/news/content/health/stories/2007/01/04/0107meshabout.html.

Links to the related articles so far are provided on the left of the screen.. You'll most likely need an AJC free, somewhat lengthy online subscription to view while the information is up there..

For my friends who wish to have alternative formats available, you will need to inquire of AJC directly.. The reporters offer the following phone number for those wishing to contact them regarding this series of articles in particular:

404-526-2640

Crossposted at: Six. Almost Seven...