Florida Mental Health Advocacy Group Honors Volunteers, Reports Progress in Reducing Involuntary Examinations
TL;DR
CCHR's campaign has led to a significant decrease in the use of the Baker Act, giving an advantage to those seeking to reduce involuntary psychiatric examinations.
CCHR has worked since 1989 to reform Florida's mental health laws, especially those involving coercive psychiatric practices, such as involuntary examination and commitment.
CCHR's efforts have helped to restore and secure basic freedoms and rights, especially for the next generation, making the world a better place.
The 2024 CCHR Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Ms. Kathy Sweigart for educating the public, law enforcement, and professionals on mental health human rights.
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The Florida chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) recently held its annual Humanitarian Awards Banquet, celebrating the work of volunteers and supporters in reforming mental health laws and practices in the state. The event, which drew hundreds of attendees, highlighted the organization's ongoing efforts to address concerns surrounding involuntary psychiatric examinations, particularly those conducted under Florida's Baker Act.
CCHR Florida has been actively working to reform mental health laws since 1989, with a particular focus on reducing the use of coercive psychiatric practices. The Baker Act, which allows for involuntary psychiatric examinations of individuals of all ages, has been a key target of the organization's reform efforts. According to the Department of Children and Families Baker Act Dashboard, involuntary psychiatric examinations in Florida peaked at over 210,000 in 2018-2019.
Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida, emphasized the importance of restoring and securing basic freedoms and rights, especially for future generations. The organization reports significant progress in its mission, having helped pass 50 bills over the past nine years that aim to improve the protection of rights and accountability within the mental health industry in Florida.
These legislative changes have reportedly contributed to a decrease in the use of the Baker Act, a trend that CCHR Florida hopes will continue. The organization's efforts include extensive public education campaigns, reaching hundreds of thousands of Floridians with information about their rights under mental health laws.
At the awards ceremony, CCHR Florida recognized several individuals for their contributions to the cause. Ms. Kathy Sweigart received the 2024 CCHR Volunteer of the Year Award for her work in educating the public, law enforcement, educators, and other professionals about mental health human rights across the state.
The recognition of these efforts and the reported reduction in involuntary examinations suggest a shifting landscape in Florida's approach to mental health care. As CCHR Florida continues its advocacy work, the implications for patient rights and mental health practices in the state could be significant, potentially influencing policy and practice beyond Florida's borders.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
