Recovered Dignity Memorial Information & Video
National Consumer Memorial Dedication Ceremony--June 10, 2009
The dedication ceremony for the National Memorial of Recovered Dignity, commemorating those individuals who died in state psychiatric hospitals, will take place at the Gardens of St. Elizabeth's in Washington, DC. Plans for the memorial include gardens and a pool of water surrounding metal markers from all 50 states that list the numbers of psychiatric patients buried and at which institutions. DBSA is honored to be a partner and a member of the memorial's advisory council. Read more.
National Consumer Memorial Planned
Hundreds of thousands of individuals have died in state psychiatric hospitals across the country. Most are buried on hospital grounds in unnamed graves.
A memorial to hundreds of thousands of people who died in state psychiatric hospitals—many of whom are buried in unmarked graves—has been planned for the grounds of St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Several organizations are participating in planning the memorial and in efforts to raise more than $1 million over the next three years for its construction.
Partnering organizations include the National Association of Consumer/Survivor Mental Health Administrators, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, National Alliance on Mental Illness Consumer Council, National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, Mental Health America, and the U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA).
A Memorial Advisory Council also includes members of the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, Consumer Action Network of D.C., and the Mental Health Empowerment Project.
The hope is to build a peaceful outdoor memorial on land generously provided by St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, as well as create a traveling memorial for use in all 50 states. But your support is needed to bring this project to life.
The supporting organizations and individuals are sharing resources to help build the memorial. The Mental Health America board voted to be the fiscal agent and has created a tax-exempt fund to bank donations. The board of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance voted to provide funding for the design of a traveling exhibit to help raise funds. Organizations outside the field of mental health have also offered support. The University of Georgia School of Environmental Design will provide consultation and student support.
Tax-exempt donations can be sent to:
Consumer Memorial Fund
c/o Mental Health America
2000 North Beauregard St.
6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Press the play button to watch the 'Recovered Dignity' video and then consider making a donation to the Consumer Memorial Fund.
Related Information:
page created: September 5, 2007 |
page updated: March 3, 2009 | |