The Psychiatry: An Industry of Death exhibit in Orlando's Oviedo Mall has drawn Floridians concerned about mental health abuses, featuring displays on electroshock treatment, involuntary examinations, and the drugging of children with psychiatric medications. Hosted by the Florida chapter of CCHR, the exhibit mirrors a permanent museum at the organization's international headquarters in Los Angeles and has reached tens of thousands globally.
Attendees included human rights advocates, students, psychiatric facility employees, professionals, veterans, and teachers, many of whom pledged to collaborate with CCHR to prevent mental health abuses in Florida. A retired psychiatric hospital employee became emotional during the tour, recalling a doctor's warning that working in such environments risked her own mental health. A veteran criticized psychiatry for degrading patient rights and blamed TV ads promoting psychiatric drugs for societal degradation.
Speakers like youth advocate Issac Vasquez addressed the over-drugging of children and emphasized knowing one's rights in mental health, while congressional candidate Tuan Le spoke against racism and mistreatment in the industry. The Florida chapter also maintains a permanent exhibit in Clearwater, unveiled in 2015, which includes 14 audiovisual displays and interviews from over 160 doctors, attorneys, educators, and survivors exposing psychiatric fraud.
Over 10,000 people, including nursing and technical college students, have toured the Florida museum, finding the experience informative. CCHR couples museum tours with seminars on the Baker Act, educating lawmakers, doctors, and citizens on mental health abuses and legal rights. The museum is open weekly with free admission, and events are held regularly to raise awareness.
