Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida Wins 2024 Bulldog PR Award for Campaigns on Mental Health Human Rights

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) of Florida has received notable recognition for its campaigns aimed at protecting mental health human rights and addressing coercive psychiatric practices. The organization was awarded Gold for its 'Mental Health Human Rights: Protection of Children' campaign and Silver for its 'Protecting Mental Health Human Rights: Coercive Psychiatry' campaign in the Best Issue/Cause Advocacy Campaign category at the 2024 Bulldog PR Awards.

Announced by the Bulldog Reporter, the Bulldog PR Awards are distinctive in the public relations industry as they are judged exclusively by journalists. The awards offer a unique perspective on the most exceptional work within the industry, highlighting the impactful efforts of CCHR Florida.

As a vigilant mental health watchdog, CCHR has a long-standing history of advocating for the restoration of basic human rights within the mental health sector. The Florida chapter, supported by an extensive volunteer network, has been particularly active in exposing the misuse of involuntary psychiatric examinations, commonly referred to as the Baker Act in Florida. This coercive psychiatric practice has affected hundreds of thousands of individuals annually.

Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida, played a crucial role in developing a public relations and communications strategy to highlight the human rights abuses associated with the Baker Act. The campaign utilized investigative news stories and social media platforms to raise awareness and advocate for legislative changes. These efforts contributed to the reduction of Baker Act cases in Florida for three consecutive years and reinforced parental rights in directing the mental health care of their children.

Overall, the communications campaign reached tens of millions of people, prompting significant positive changes that align with CCHR's mission to protect mental health human rights. Established in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz, CCHR aims to eradicate abuses in the mental health sector and implement patient and consumer protections. The organization's impactful campaigns continue to shed light on the critical issue of mental health human rights, influencing both public opinion and legislative action.