The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) opened its traveling exhibit in downtown St. Paul on Monday, drawing an excited crowd to the Nova Event Hall on St Peter St. The exhibit, titled "Psychiatry an Industry of Death," features 14 graphic panels and 13 short documentaries that expose historical and current abuses in the mental health field.
At the ribbon-cutting event, guest speakers detailed abuses occurring in mental hospitals under civil commitments, including patients held against their will, drugged without informed consent, and subjected to other human rights violations. Dr. Patrice Nerad, the main speaker, called for the formation of a coalition to change Minnesota's civil commitment laws, ensuring patients are protected from harm in the name of help. The CCHR Minnesota chapter will assist Dr. Nerad in establishing and guiding the coalition.
This exhibit and the proposed coalition come at a critical time, as mental health practices face increasing scrutiny nationwide. The implications are significant for patients, families, and the broader community. If successful, the coalition could lead to legislative changes that safeguard patient rights and prevent involuntary treatments that are often detrimental. This would not only affect Minnesota but could set a precedent for other states, sparking a national conversation about the ethics of psychiatric interventions.
CCHR, an international watchdog over the psychiatric industry since 1969, has a history of working to change legislation that curtails psychiatric advances into educational systems and society. The organization's most recent documentary links psychiatric drugs to the cause of violence in society, particularly mass shootings in schools and public events. This exhibit and coalition effort are part of CCHR's ongoing mission to highlight these issues and push for reform.
The exhibit is open to the public, and more information can be found on the CCHR website. Documentaries on the work of CCHR volunteers worldwide are available, as is the film Psychiatry: An Industry of Death on the Scientology Network.
CCHR was co-founded in 1969 by professor of psychiatry Dr. Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology. Its commissioners include physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, lawyers, legislators, government officials, educators, and civil rights representatives. The organization is inspired by L. Ron Hubbard's commitment to abolishing physically damaging practices in mental health.
The opening of this exhibit and the call for a coalition are crucial steps toward addressing the systemic issues in mental health care. By informing the public and advocating for legal changes, CCHR and Dr. Nerad aim to prevent the abuses that occur when individuals are committed against their will. The potential impact is profound: it could lead to a shift in how mental health treatments are regulated, ensuring that patients' rights are respected and that help does not become harm.
