Kings County newly built hospital is still unsafe
as witness the alleged rape of a patient this year after the new hospital, after all the investigations, it is past time for
this incorrigible institution to be shut down for good. We all matter, all lives matter, we can not stand silent as people
are hurt, neglected, abused and victimized by crime in a place that claims to help keep people safe. No more. No more crimes,
no more delays, no more corrective plans, no more chances. Close it down now!
Dally Sanchez
Amy Colesante
Marian Merlino
Sabrina Johnson
Stephanie Orlando
Human Rights Now!
Desiree Moore Long island, East Meadow
I
would love to be a part of this movement i think it is very important to show people that this has not been forgetten and
we need to stand up and make that known and somthing need to CHANGE
Organizational Co-Sponsors
MindFreedom International
The
Law Project for Psychiatric Rights
The Opal Project
Mental Health
Empowerment Project, Inc.
National Lawyers Guild New York City Chapter
Nationwide
Organizing Call to Action: Stop Forced "Mental Health Treatment"
2009
ACTION ALERT:COMPLETED!
GREAT JOB. UPDATE TO FOLLOW:
EXPECT ACTION IN LATE JULY.
Please call Brooklyn District
Attorney Charles Hynes and ask him if a grande jury is being convened regarding the death of Esmin Green at Kings County Hospital
Center Psychiatric Emergency Room, June 19, 2008. If so, when? If not, please ask the District Attorney if charges
are being brought.
Is a grande jury being convened? If so, when? If not, are charges being brought?
You can either call the District Attorney's office at: 718 250 2001
or e-mail: hynesc@brooklynda.org
Please use this comment box to sign on to the demonstration and vigil as an individual endorser
or organizational co-sponsor (it's free).
For more information contact: Lauren Tenney, 516-319-4295
Esmin Green Did Not Survive. Survivors of Psychiatry & Allies Demand Report from NYC Dept of Investigations
WE THE PEOPLE to Hold a Demonstration and Vigil in Her Memory, June 19, 2009 at Kings County Hospital Center Psychiatric
Emergency Room, Building R. from 5-10 Pm. Justice for Esmin Green. Justice for All
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY (05/29/2009;
1149)(readMedia)-- W E THE PEOPLE is reaching out to friends and family of Esmin Green who was murdered-by-neglect at the
Kings County Hospital Center Psychiatric Emergency Room June 19, 2008. They are also looking for survivors of psychiatry,
anyone affected by mental health or psychiatric systems, and allies who want to see change and make their voices heard.
Facility staff looked at Esmin face down on the floor - did nothing - and then tried to cover it up. The blatant negligence
that was exhibited by facility staff should not be allowed to be brushed under the carpet - or excused for lack of team spirit,
which Mr. Aviles, the President of Health and Hospitals Corporation which oversees Kings County Hospital Center, has tried
to do. WE THE PEOPLE is demanding criminal charges in this murder-by-neglect and attempted cover-up. This ultimate violation
of human rights can not be accepted by our society.
WE THE PEOPLE is demanding that the New York City Department
of Investigations release the report of the investigation into the death of Esmin Green and asks why the city is holding back
such information?
On June 19, beginning at 5 PM, WE THE PEOPLE will be holding a demonstration calling for
human rights in psychiatric systems. A candle light vigil to remember Esmin Green, a woman who should still be alive, will
begin at 8 PM.
Sanford Rubenstein, the attorney for the family is a confirmed speaker at the demonstration. He
states, "It is really important for people to make their voices heard so that what happened to Esmin Green never
happens again".
WE THE PEOPLE invite you to stand with them in front of Kings County Hospital Center on June
19, 2009 from 5-10 PM to demand human rights in the psychiatric and mental health systems. Justice for Esmin Green. Justice
for all.
What: A Call to All People:Stop Human Rights Violations In memory of Esmin Green, murdered-by-neglect,
one year later.
Date: June 19, 2009
Time: 5-10 PM
Location: Kings County
Hospital Center Psychiatric Emergency Room Building R. (Clarkson Avenue at New York Avenue and Winthrop Street) Brooklyn,
NY 11203
On June 19, 2009 it will be one year since the murder-by-neglect of Esmin Elizabeth Green by the Kings
County Hospital Center Psychiatric Emergency Room in Brooklyn, New York (to see video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSaSQ1M9DIA) =0 A
We will unite with a demonstration and candle light vigil outside the facility from 5-10 PM on June 19,
2009 (a full schedule of events will follow).
Last year many people across the country joined us in Brooklyn.
Spontaneous vigils were organized all over the world to stand in solidarity with us. (See media coverage at www.theopalproject.org/vigil.html
See video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4Bg_6mi5Ck) .
This year, we hope you will renew your individu al
endorsement or organizational co-sponsorship (it's free, of course). We hope even more people and organizations will join
in this effort. We welcome your participation.
Please send this on to your networks and get involved to protect
our human rights.
If you are organizing your own local vigil, let us know and we will be happy to assist and network
media coverage.
You can download a PDF of the flyer and sing on your support for the vigil at www.theopalproject.org/vigil.html
You can also find WE THE PEOPLE on Facebook.
Thank You!
WE THE PEOPLE The Law Project
for Psychiatric Rights MindFreedom International The Opal Project
If you would like to renew your support or sign on as an individual endorser, organizational
co-sponsor, please use the response box below.
Thank you
HUMAN RIGHTS NOW.
TORTURE, NEVER!
2009
Individual
Endorsers
Confirmed Attendees & Organizational Co-Sponsors
The Law Project for Psychiatric Rights
MindFreedom International
The Opal Project
PNG
GET ON
THE BUS TO THE VIGIL
in Troy, Albany, & Hudson
Contact The Opal Project for more information
vigil@theopalproject.org
The
Empowerment Center
GET ON THE BUS TO THE VIGIL
in WESTCHESTER
Contact
the Empowerment Center for more information
Hands Across Long Island
GET ON THE BUS TO THE
VIGIL
on Long Island
Contact HALI for more information
Bluebird
Coordinating
a vigil in Gainesville, Florida
Coalition
Against Psychiatric Assault Friday, June 19 at 8:00pm Friday, June 19
at 9:00pm Centre for Addiction and Mental Health--Clarke Institute of Psychiatry
To see more details and RSVP,
follow the link below: http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=83625145938&mid=96619dG2004921dG53277a0G7
MindFreedom Ireland
Asylum Associates &
The
Hearing Voices Network (UK)
Held vigil in Cork, Ireland,
June 9, 2009
held vigil on June US
Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry
The
U.S. Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry endorses and supports the vigil. Justice for Esmin Green and human rights
for all.
Lauren Tenney
Marian Merlino
Kathryn Cascio
Daniel Hazen
Human Rights
NOW!
Jessica Arenella
No torture at home and no torture abroad!
Timothy J Harris
Did anything change one year later?
Amy Bookbinder
Wholehearted support.
CAFETY Allies
Mary Maddock
I will be with you in spirit. Congrats
to all who are involved in this important event.
Ireland
Todd
Eaton
Mental Health Empowerment
Project, Inc.
Dorothy Dundas
We must all fight to stop human rights violations.
Eva Dech
Darby Penney
Joan Conley
Eric O.
Jackson
I'm in Puerto Rico. My support to you all.
She was so beautiful.
Never again. These tragedies need to stop. Be well and be safe.
Puerto Rico
Community Consortium, Inc.
Dan Frey
Barbara
Katz-Rothman, PhD
Can Troung
Can Consulting
Stephanie Orlando
Daniel
B. Fisher, M.D.
I really admire what your doing and wish I could be there. I will spread the word
to my network.
Boston, MA
Dally
Sanchez
Jasna Russo
Helen Krisilas
Ellen M. Healion
Kellie
L. Trombley
Michael G. Spennato
Robin Ballou
Denver,
CO
Kat Whitehead
Jacquiline Hirsch
Please, no more
torture abroad or at home under the guise of human rights!
George Badillo
Carlos
Sabatar
Kym Libman
Melissa Firmes
Kyle S. Nesbitt
Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric
Disabilities
(www.rippd.org)
Yvonne Z. Smith
Washington, D.C.
Lester Cook
Bonnie Neighbor
I am there in spirit only though.
Richmond,
VA
Deb Sierra Damone
Rolando Bini
Mike Halligan
Jodi
Marchese
Something has to be done aganst the tactics that are used in our Psyc hospitals, jails,
prisons, and any other type of instution in this country.
Shame on the American Populice
Maxine
Glover
Stephanie Lotto
Nicole Charise Jennings
Philadelphia,
PA
Russ Pavlick
Detroit,
MI
Radiah Ishmail
Shirley P. Cooper
West Midlands
Don Roberts
Anchorage, AK
Virginia Knowlton
Thank you for keeping attention
focused on this horrific tragedy. Wish I could be in NYC to participate. Please let us know how it goes.
Ellen Petschaft Berrios
I wish I could go!
This really shook me up when I saw it. I'm going to send it to others who may be able to attend.
Boston,
MA
Melody Riefer
I
will be there in spirit!
Atlanta, GA
George Ebert
MaryAnn Ebert
Mental
Patients Liberation Alliance
John
Michael Sparacio
Gloria Jackson
Rolando Bini
Parents In Action
John M. Donnelly, Jr.
You talk about helping people, and you neglect,
abuse, and murder them.
Stop the crime! HUMAN RIGHTS NOW!!!!!
Eileen McGinn
Sheilah Hill
Lauren
Spiro
Keep shining the light, telling our truth. Murder-by-neglect and psychiatric torture
YOUTH POWER!
Dennis Whetsel
It
is an abomination that in this country, innocent citizens are tortured for "their own good"
Any
action that is forced is antithetical to personhood.
Eion Saunders
Phyllis
Kaplan
No person should be left on the floor of any hospital for any reason no matter what
and to die
shame on those who allowed her to lay there and did nothing!
Ted Chabasinski
Michelle Hobart
Tara
Cole
Leap for Patient Safety
www.LeapForPatientSafety.org
Please help stop patient abuse, medical errors and wrongful deaths.
Felice Debra Eliscu
Sara Goodman
Rights for Imprisoned
People with Psychiatric Disabilities
www.rippd.org
Tina Minkowitz
Center for the Human Rights of Users and Survivors
of Psychiatry
www.chrusp.org
Jen Gieseking
Dean Smith Hi guys just like to say i support you
for your vigal but can not make it as it is a long way across the atlantic lol!!its amazeing how mainstream society can go
on about humann rights in deprived countrys when all you have to do is look on ya own door step!!well done and keep raiseing
awarness on rights and stigma in mental health!!!peace and love DEANO xxx
Alison Hymes
Sara Goodman God bless you for doing this... too many
sit aside and wait for someone else to take up the cause
Mary Ellen Maddock
MindFreedom Ireland
Dr. C. N. Rodrigues 21 Jan 2000 when I was lied to, deceived and deprived
of my Human Rights. 1 Sep 2000 - again, and finally, in Sep 2001!
Shaindl Diamond keep up the great
work! this is so important. in solidarity, from toronto
Isaac S. Brown stop forced treatment of any sort
Jack Freedman
Melissa Farrell End psychiatric abuse
Time Harris
People do not treat people like this.
Frank Blankenship Gainesville, Florida
New York City Chapter
of
the
National Lawyers Guild
UK Advocacy Network
David Gonzalez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1_GPtFcPBY
Ruth Ruth
Canada
Friendly Spike
Theater
Canada
d.a. johnson
Grace Nichols
Don Weitz
Canada
Sabrina Johnson
Angela Cerio
Angelo Barbieri
Hugh
Mann organicMD.org
Josephine Carol Cicchini
Sandra Galante
Empowerment for Healthy Minds Blacksburg, Virginia
Terry Grimes
Erick Fabris
Toronto,
Canada
Cherilyn Weekes
Black women empowerment bloggers have NOT forgotten about Ms Esmin Green ,
nor the horrible treatment she endured at the hands of Kings County!
thecwexperience.wordpress.com
Michael
Oman-Reagan From http://religionandtechnology.com/
At the heart
of liberty is the right to define ones own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human
life.
From the plurality decision of the Supreme Court of the United States,
PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SOUTHEASTERN PA. V. CASEY, 505 U.S. 833 (1992).
Could this set a precedent for an argument about a right to choose a state of consciousness, aka
a right to mental privacy?
Zappalorti Society
Sheila Hollingsworth
What a shame!
Jody Silver
Anne Dox
WE THE PEOPLE will not allow the tragedy of Ms. Green's death to remain neglected on the floor
Ithaca Mental Patients Advocacy Coalition
(INPAC)
Myra Kovary
Paul
Chipkin
Patricia Lefave
Let's all 'seek attention' together.
Vivian Chapellier
May Esmin's life be
honored and her death be a spark for freedom.
Joanne Switserloot
In loving memory of Esmin x
Victoria, AUSTRALIA
COMMUNITY
ACCESS
C elina J. Pinto
I'm very concerned about
what happened to her. I'm a consumer too. It could happen to any of us, specially as we grow older and more frail
physically. I'm 54, almost a 'young senior' whatever that is. I'm very concerned.
Celia
Brown
Sharon E. Hoffman
If
we are really "true" to the values this country was founded on, such an tragedy would never have happened. It is
unacceptable and no wonder America is viewed by the much of the world as hypocrites. We are unless we truly become our brother's
keeper. Each and every one of our people are unique and must be accorded full civil and human rights lest we all lose our
freedom.
Mary Jane Alexander
Anita Jones
I am so very proud and honored to be a part of this vigil. It changed
my life.
Sara Bergstresser Ph.D. MPH
David
Humphreys
Your name here!
sign on above .. .Thanks!
JOIN WE THE PEOPLE
Map of places where we gathered support to end torture and promote human rights in psychiatric syste
Esmin Green in Life.
A Beautiful Woman, Mother of 6.
We The People In remembrance of Esmin Green who was murdered-by-neglect at the Kings County Hospital CenterPsychiatric Emergency Room, June 19, 2008.
Mission Statement We resolve to work from a human
rights platform to end involuntary psychiatric treatment and all other forms of abuse and torture in psychiatric systems.
We Are A group of individuals who
identify as having experienced psychiatric atrocities, people who have psychiatric histories, and our supporters.
Objectives To address existing harmful structures and dynamics of the
public mental health system, including:
• Situations in which people's
socioeconomic struggles are mislabeled as "mental illnesses" and then are subjected to psychiatric diagnoses and
treatments;
• Failures to provide non-psychiatric alternatives
to traditional mental health and community services;
• Violations
of international human rights and civil rights; and
• The lack of
protection of the lives and dignity of people in emotional distress or crisis.
Strategies Actions will be collectively identified, researched, and considered through working
groups and consensus. Group members will provide testimonies and demand accountability. Activism in the areas
of advocacy, legislation, media, networking, human rights, and the abolition of forced psychiatric practices will be developed
through group deliberation.
SEND GOVERNOR PATERSON AN E-MAIL DEMANDING HUMAN RIGHTS AND CALL FOR CRIMINAL CHARGES
http://www.ny.gov/governor/contact/index.html
SEND IT TO US AS WELL USING ANY OF
THE COMMENT BOXES ON THIS PAGE AND WE WILL POST IT
July 28, 2008
Attention: David Patterson, Governor
of New York
Dear Governor Patterson, I urge you to take immediate action re the tragic, horrific
and preventable death of Ms. Esmin Elizabeth Green. Ms. Green was a poor, black Jamaican woman and mother of six children,
about to lose her home and become homeless. As you probably are aware, Ms. Green died of medical neglect and abuse and subjected
to serious violations of her civil and human rights in the psychiatric emergency waiting room of Kings County Hospital in
Brooklyn, NY on June 19, 2008. Before Ms. Green died, no doctor, no nurse and no security staff tried to help her -
they all callously and willfully ignored her. This is absolutely disgraceful and inexcusable! The last minutes of her horrific
death, recorded on an emergency room camera and currently displayed on a CNN video clip, shows Ms. Green suddenly collapsing
and convulsing face down on the floor. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, since I understand Kings County Hospital
has a long track record of medical, if not criminal neglect and abuse of patients and has been investigated a number of times
in the last few years. I urge you to order an independent, comprehensive, and public investigation into Ms.Green’s death
and Kings County Hospital, so that all citizens entering Kings County Hospital in the future--regardless of racial identity
or ethnicity, gender and class—are not neglected and abused by hospital staff, but treated with dignity and respect
and receive competent and prompt medical care that they deserve as human beings. Don Weitz 1401-38 Orchard View
Blvd.,Toronto, Ontario M4R 2G3
Lauro Puril The National Committee on the UN Convention, Sectoral Council for Person with Disabilities, National Anti-poverty
Commission Manila, Philippines
DK Calkins
Parent, Survivor, Activist and a Student of Human Services as an Ally for our Peers.
John Barrella
Moira Wait
ADAPT NE
The ADAPT NE network will be taking a moment of silence at 9:30 their time, while the vigil
is being held at Kings County Hospital Center.
Nebraska
Laura Van Tosh
Moneer Zarou
Mark Davis,
M.A.D
Pink & Blues Philadelphia
Main Line Pink & Blues
David Gonzalez
Amy Upham
Marlene Chait, Ed.D
Dr. Huhana Hickey Solicitor Auckland Disability Law New
Zealand
International Indigenous Disability Group
IIDCWG
Anne Hawker
President Elect of Rehabilitation International
Frank Mulcahy Information Officer DPI
Europe and
President of Kildare Network
of People with Disabilities
Ireland
Hiljmnijeta
Apuk
Director " NGO Little People of Kosova" & Main Editor in Chief
office of monthly magazine "Newspaper to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of Kosova"
Kosava www.lpkosova.com
Frank
Hall-Bentick
Disability Australia
Chairperson
Disability Resources Centre Victoria
Chairperson, Disability Rights Victoria
www.drc.org.au
Australia
Julie Shafer
Mindfreedom Ireland
We hope to remember Ms. Esmin
Elizabeth Green on Friday from 7 PM - 8 PM at 16 Manor Close, Thornbury Hgts., Rochestown and hope you will be able to join us.
Valerie F Swartz
Ronald L. Berman
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
Delaware Valley
Elena Chavez Founder ALAMO Promocion de la Salud Mental WNUSP Perù
Lima - Peru
MindFreedom Ghana
Ghana, Africa
Resistance Against Psychiatry
Date: Friday, July 25, 2008
Time: 1pm-3pm
Place: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen St.W. (corner Ossington Ave)
Toronto, Canada
for more information dweitz@rogers.com
Val Farmer
www.myspace.com/redpossum
The Clark-Wittenberg Family
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
International
Campaign to Ban Electroshock (ICBE)
icbe.wordpress.com Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Mental Health Empowerment
Project
Michael Quiles III
M-POWER
Roxbury, MA Vigil
Friday July 25th from 6-8 PM at the State House in Boston, MA.
Beth LaCrosse, M.S. Member,
Disability Law Center of Alaska Member, Alaska Mental Health Rights Advisory Committe Client Assistance Program
Counselor Member, CAP Advisory Committee
David
Romprey
Peer Bridgers Oregon
"We
are in a war against indignity!"
Scott Snedecor
Jonathan Dosick
Joann Smith
ladyj@dreamweaverspeersupport.org
Peer, Weaving my way to becoming a Web Designer to show those that say we cannot succeed that
we can in fact succeed.
Douglas Payne
THANKS FOR THE WATER, DOUGLAS!!!
Ma Amritananda (Rita DiCarlo) Psych abuse survivor Mind Aid's "Not In Our Brains
Campaign" Member United for Peace and Justice, Int'l Founder, Grail House
Nicki Glasser
Carlos
Sabater Member, Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities
Marie Parcell
David
McDonald www.dawgoregon.blogspot.com
Laura Ziegler
mad activist and former NYC resident
Vermont
Robin Plan aka flawedplan at Writhe Safely http://writhesafely.wordpress.com/
Mental Health America of Oregon We are in solidarity with those who protest
the so-called "treatment" of Ms. Greene. We send condolences to her friends and family. People diagnosed/labeled
with mental illness deserve the same dignity and respect as those who are not diagnosed/ labeled.
fennel@hereinreality.com
what happened to Ms. Esmin Green at King's County hospital is totally inexcusable,
without merit and totally uncalled for. Please Mayor Bloomberg make absolutely certain this doesn't happen to anyone
else.
Amy Bookbinder Leeds, MA
Diane Green
MUSE, Inc. Candles Lit for Esmin
Green, Museum of Universal Self Expression, Psychiatric Survivior Studio
email:
muse@callmecrazy.org
WE CAN! of Colorado www.wecancolorado.org
Nathaniel S.
Leharman, MD Former Clinical Director, Kingsboro Psychiatric Center
christinaclataif@sbcglobal.net another
life wasted due to neglect of proffessionals who are supposed to be under the hypocritic oath to save lives not end
them.
Board of the UK Advocacy Network
Nancy Pontius Tucson Icarus Project
disRespect Disability Awareness Radio email:
dialog@inbox.com comments: Radio Interview with Lauren Tenney on one-hour show July 24, 93.3 FM CFMU Hamilton and www.radio4all.net
in Watkins Glen
http://www.radio4all.net/index.php/program/28559
NAMI East Flatbush
Rebecca Edens
A
PLACE OF OUR OWN aplaceofourown@charterinternet.com
Will Brady will.brady@gmail.com Human Rights Officer &
Activist Connecticut http://willbradyjournal.blogspot.com
Angela Cerio
Sandy Brower perkys10@yahoo.com
I too have been treated badly at Kings
County in their psychicatric ward in 2006 and hope to speak on it.They need to close this horrible place so things like what
happened to me, Miss Green and others don't happen again. This horrible thing that happened to Miss Green could of been avoided
if it were a different kind of hospital. They need to close this place.
Coalition Of Concerned Citizens For Complete Justice (CFCJ) As General Director of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens for Complete Justice (CFCJ)and a former
G Building patient, I was delighted to participate in the 07/25/2008 Vigil.
May GOD bless all of the other people
having participated in the above-said event.
s.): Elder Romel Viel
Brenda A. LeFrancois, PhD
ISPS-US
contact@isps-us.org www.isps-us.org The International Society for the Psychological
Treatments of the Schizophrenias and Other Psychoses, U.S. Chapter
Please
attend, send out to your networks, and sign on. Thanks, ~~Lauren
SURVIVORS
OF PSYCHIATRIC ATROCITIES AND ALLIES TO SPEAK OUT AND HOLD A VIGIL IN HONOR OF EMSIN GREEN WHO WAS MURDERED-BY-NEGLECT
AT THE KINGS COUNTY HOSPITAL CENTER PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY ROOM.
Contact: Lauren J. Tenney, Psychiatric Survivor
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
WE THE PEOPLE began as an alliance of
people who were accused of and treated for mental illness. We have survived with our lives, unlike Ms. Green. However,
our liberty, our health, and our futures continue to be under the threat of the therapeutic state - and so is yours.
The experience of involuntarily detainment in a psychiatric emergency room or in a psychiatric institution is tantamount
to torture. Human rights and feminist activist Kate Millett during the negotiations on the UN Convention on the subject
of forced treatment and confinement of persons with disabilities stated, “"The power of an entire civilization
massed against one lone individual. Every phone and lock and guard and drug . . . Everything conspires to make you completely
alone and terrified. Malleable. These are the conditions of torture”".
We invite you, we
implore you, to meet with us and work with us towards a humane environment and to establish alternatives to the atrocities
of confinement, drugs, electroshock treatment, restraint, and seclusion. We let our light shine in remembrance of the
victims of the mental illness system - for people who have suffered because of fear and ignorance - for people who have been
traumatized - for people who have been disabled - for people who are dead - and for people who are not really living.
As in the HIGHLANDER STATEMENT of 2000, we call on all people to "act individually and collectively to ensure
that self-determination, respect, ethical behavior, and humane voluntary supports and services become the foundation of a
reinvented mental health system. This system must first and foremost do no harm".
David Gonzalez, a
former patient of the “G” Building at Kings County Hospital Center asks, “What has brought Ms. Green’s
appalling death to public scrutiny is not that it was unusual or uncommon in any way, but that it was caught on video.
The lack of compassion, callous indifference, and subsequent cover-up exposes not only the hypocrisy which allows this type
of systemic abuse to take place under the guise of treatment, but more importantly exposes the perversion of institutional
psychiatry”.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other International
law has been violated. Daniel Hazen, of the Law Project for Psychiatric Rights (PsychRights®) and Stop Force asks, "Was
Ms. Green's medical emergency in any way related to the toxic and debilitating psychiatric drugs she might have been taking,
possibly through intimidation, coercion, or force? This seems likely in light of the known connection between such drugs
and fatal leg blood clots."
We are lighting candles to celebrate Esmin Green's life and passion
as a way to spark necessary change and call for the respect of human rights in mental health. We offer the light of these
candles as a sign of love for our families and friends, and our elected officials, and broader communities who often trapped
in circumstance and by the psychiatric system cannot understand us as we struggle to communicate.
All people committed
to human rights, join us.
On July 25, 2008, we invite all people to join us and stand united in support of the
demand that everyone receive the full benefit of their human rights and the preservation of their liberty, dignity, and respect.
There are vigils happening all over the world for Ms. Green on July 25, 2008 to stand in solidarity with New Yorkers.
If you can attend the vigil or not, on Friday, July 25, 2008, call Governor Patterson (518) 474-8390, Mayor Bloomberg,
(212) NEW-YORK, and your elected Representatives to express your outrage about Ms. Green's murder and insist that the
City of New York stand in full compliance with International law and Human Rights.
Who: All People.
What:
A demonstration and candle light vigil to mourn the loss of Ms. Esmin Elizabeth Green and condemn human rights violations.
Why: WE THE PEOPLE call for an end of abuse, torture, and neglect in the wake of Ms. Green's death
on June 19, 2008, while detained at Kings County Hospital Center's Psychiatric Emergency Room.
Where: Kings
County Hospital Center, Psychiatric Emergency Room, Building G. 606 Winthrop Street Brooklyn, NY 11203
If you would like to co-sponsor or endorse this demonstration, vigil, and its follow up forums,
please contact us.
WE THE PEOPLE
###
For more information or to schedule an interview, please
contact:
Contact: Lauren J. Tenney, Cell: 516-319-4295 e-mail: lauren@theopalproject.org website: www.theopalproject.org/vigil.html
Contact: David W. Oaks Phone: 541-345-9106 e-mail: office@mindfreedom.org website: www.mindfreedom.org
=
POSTED: JULY 23, 2008
WE THE PEOPLE
Contact: Lauren J. Tenney,
MA, MPA, Psychiatric Survivor FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cell: 516-319-4295 e-mail: lauren@theopalproject.org website:
www.theopalproject.org/vigil.html
A
DEMONSTRATION AND CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL TO MOURN THE LOSS OF MS. ESMIN ELIZABETH GREEN AND CONDEMN HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS.
WE THE PEOPLE Call For An End Of Abuse,
Torture, And Neglect In The Wake Of Ms. Green's Death On June 19, 2008, While Detained At Kings County Hospital Center's
Psychiatric Emergency Room.
The death of Esmin Green is indicative of a failure in the system that was supposed to be there
to care for her. The solution to protecting the lives and dignity of people with psychiatric histories is not simply
to increase staff and services and/or to improve staff training. As evidenced by Ms. Green’s death, these measures
are nothing more than temporary band-aids that consistently fail. Fully implementing the United Nations Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is a real solution that will promote respect, human rights, and dignity of
people who have a psychiatric history. The principles of the CRPD include respect for inherent dignity and individual
autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices; non-discrimination; the respect for differences; and acceptance
of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity. Clearly, several articles in the CRPD contain
protections that might have saved Esmin Green’s life.
Other International law has
been violated as well including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Civil and Political
Rights, the Convention Against Torture, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,
and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. (For more information about the
CRPD and other protections see www.mindfreedom.org; www.theopalproject.org/vigil.html.)
Daniel
Hazen, of the Law Project for Psychiatric Rights (PsychRights®) and Stop Force said, "This could only happen
within a system that uniformly ignores complaints of physical problems by people who have been labeled with serious mental
illness. This is particularly dangerous because of the extremely harmful nature of psychiatric drugs. Was Ms.
Green's medical emergency in any way related to the toxic and debilitating psychiatric drugs she might have been taking,
possibly through intimidation, coercion, or force? This seems likely in light of the known connection between such drugs
and fatal leg blood clots. A thorough investigation is necessary."
The experience of
involuntarily detainment in a psychiatric emergency room or in a psychiatric institution is tantamount to torture. Human
rights and feminist activist Kate Millett during the negotiations on the UN Convention on the subject of forced treatment
and confinement of persons with disabilities stated, “The power of an entire civilization massed against one lone individual.
Every phone and lock and guard and drug . . . Everything conspires to make you completely alone and terrified. Malleable.
These are the conditions of torture”.
David Gonzalez, founder
and Senior Consultant of the Recovery x-Change and a former patient of the “G” Building at Kings County Hospital
Center will be speaking at the demonstration. Gonzalez states, “What has brought Ms. Green’s appalling death
to public scrutiny is not that it was unusual or uncommon in any way, but that it was caught on video. The lack of compassion,
callous indifference, and subsequent cover-up exposes not only the hypocrisy which allows this type of systemic abuse to take
place under the guise of treatment, but more importantly exposes the perversion of institutional psychiatry”.
On July 25, 2008, we invite all people to join us and stand united in support of
the demand that everyone receive the full benefit of their human rights and the preservation of their liberty, dignity, and
respect. There are vigils happening all over the world for Ms. Green on July 25, 2008 to stand in solidarity with New Yorkers.
If you can attend the vigil or not, on Friday, July 25, 2008, call Governor Patterson (518) 474-8390, Mayor Bloomberg, (212)
NEW-YORK, and your elected Representatives to express your outrage about Ms. Green's murder and insist that the City of
New York stand in full compliance with International law and Human Rights.
Who: All People.
What:
A demonstration and candle light vigil to mourn the loss of Ms. Esmin Elizabeth Green and condemn human rights violations.
Why: WE THE PEOPLE call for an end
of abuse, torture, and neglect in the wake of Ms. Green's death on June 19, 2008, while detained at Kings County Hospital
Center's Psychiatric Emergency Room.
Where:
Kings County Hospital Center, Psychiatric Emergency Room, Building G. 606 Winthrop Street Brooklyn, NY 11203
If you would like to co-sponsor or endorse this demonstration, vigil, and its follow up forums,
please contact us.
WE
THE PEOPLE
###
Special thanks to Myra Kovary, UN Representative of MindFreedom International, for drafting this
press release For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Contact: Lauren J. Tenney Cell: 516-319-4295
e-mail: lauren@theopalproject.org website: www.theopalproject.org/vigil.html
Contact: David W. Oaks Phone: 541-345-9106 e-mail: office@mindfreedom.org website: www.mindfreedom.org
POSTED: JULY 9, 2008
WE THE PEOPLE
Contact: Lauren J. Tenney, MA, MPA, Psychiatric
Survivor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cell: 516-319-4295 e-mail: lauren@theopalproject.org website: www.theopalproject.org
VIGIL TO MOURN THE LOSS OF MS. ESMIN ELIZABETH GREEN AND CONDEMN VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Who: All People.
What: Candle Light Vigil to mourn the loss of Ms. Esmin Elizabeth Green and condemn
violations of human rights.
Why: WE THE PEOPLE call for an end of abuse, torture, and neglect in the wake
of Ms. Green's Death on June 19, 2008, while detained at Kings County Hospital Center's Psychiatric Emergency Room.
Where: Kings County Hospital Center, Psychiatric Emergency Room, Building G. 606 Winthrop Street Brooklyn,
NY 11203
Date: July 25, 2008
Time: 5 PM - 10 PM, Candle Light Vigil, 8:30 PM
WE THE PEOPLE Call for an End of Abuse, Torture, and Neglect in the Wake of Ms. Green's Death While Detained
at Kings County Hospital Center's Psychiatric Emergency Room.
Advocates, human rights activists, and
community members are holding a vigil and demonstration to mourn the death of Ms. Esmin Elizabeth Green. WE the PEOPLE
are calling attention to the reported horrific inactions and complete neglect that Ms. Green was subjected to while detained
at the Kings County Hospital Center's Psychiatric Emergency Room.
According to the Associated Press,
after being involuntarily committed to the institution, Ms. Green sat waiting for a bed to become available for nearly 24
hours before she collapsed on to the floor. She lay there helpless for nearly an hour until she received medical attention,
which came too late[i]. Further, according to the New York Civil Liberties Union, facility staff possibly falsified
documents, stating that Ms. Green was "up and went to the bathroom" and was "'sitting quietly in the waiting
room' - more than 10 minutes after she last moved”[ii]. The surveillance tape shown on CNN Video portrays
Ms. Green dying on the floor as people pass her by[iii]. In fact, on the Internet, one can find a mass of comment on this
tragedy by individuals all over the world - a question repeatedly asked, "Where is the humanity?"
All people must be treated with dignity, humanity, and respect. We must not tolerate violations of human rights that
individuals who are assigned psychiatric labels often endure.
We ask you, wouldn't you be depressed and
possibly even 'agitated' if you were going to lose your home and employment? Reportedly, this is what led to Ms. Green's
commitment[iv]. Any one of us could be labeled with a psychiatric diagnosis and subjected to inhumane 'treatment'
if we are thought to be 'agitated', particularly if we are poor.
How many more people labeled with
"mental illness" will be subjected to torture and neglect before something is done to protect human rights within
psychiatric systems? David Oaks, Executive Director of MindFreedom International states, "I encourage us all to
reflect on the need for a deep nonviolent revolution in the field of mental health, far beyond the "reforms" that
have gotten us to where we are today, with televised death via neglect of a mother of six".
In 1875, a New
York Times article cites abuses of inmates at the Kings County Asylum, spurred by Mr. Nelson Magee, a former inmate. Then-Commissioner
Norris reacts to the investigation, "This sort of thing is very common among lunatics; they are always imagining themselves
in great danger of being killed by their keepers"v. How many more centuries have to go by before action is taken
to end these abuses and neglect?
WE the PEOPLE stand for change. We have been abused by the
psychiatric system. Our brothers and sisters continue to be abused and murdered, as evidenced by Ms. Green's untimely
demise. Massive human rights violations happen every day in psychiatric institutions but this horrific inaction was captured
on videotape. We will call attention to the every day tortures committed in the name of psychiatric "help" including
diagnosing life's challenges as ''illness," forced pharmaceuticals, restraint, seclusion, and electric shock
treatment (ECT) with a Vigil to honor Ms. Green's memory beginning at 5 PM.
There are many questions
as to what led to Ms. Green's death. Was it in any way related to the toxic and debilitating drugs that people labeled
with "mental illness" are intimidated, coerced, and forced into taking? A thorough investigation is necessary to
determine the extent of the torture, ill treatment and other human rights violations involved in this case and in the practices
of the institution as a whole. We must stand united to demand social justice, equal rights, and environments free from
torture and detention.
On July 25, 2008, we invite all people to join us and stand united in support
of the demand that everyone receive the full benefit of their human rights and the preservation of their liberty, dignity
and respect.
We welcome your involvement as an organizational co-sponsor or an individual endorser
of this effort. If you would like to speak at this event, please contact us.
WE THE PEOPLE
###
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Contact: Lauren
J. Tenney Cell: 516-319-4295 e-mail: lauren@theopalproject.org website: www.theopalproject.org
Contact: David W. Oaks Phone: 541-345-9106 e-mail: office@mindfreedom.org website: www.mindfreedom.org
REFERENCES [i] Retrieved July 8, 2008 from http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/H/HOSPITAL_WARD_DEATH?SITE=OHRAV&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT [ii] Retrieved July 8, 2008 from http://www.nyclu.org/node/1876) [iii] Retrieved on July 8, 2008 from http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/01/waiting.room.death/index.html. [iv] Retrieved July 8, 2008, from http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/03/hospital.woman.death/index.html [v] Retrieved July
9, 2008 from http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9F00E6D8103CE63ABC4851DFBE66838E669FDE
DIRECTIONS TO THE JULY 25, 2008 VIGIL & DEMONSTRATION
The vigil is in front of Building
G on Winthrop street. Winthrop Street runs Parallel to Clarkson Avenue.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
By Subway
Subway
2 or 5 (Flatbush Avenue bound): (Flatbush Line) Take to Winthrop Street Station. Walk to 606 Winthrop
Street
Note: The Flatbush Avenue bound 5 train only makes local stops during
rush hours (6:15 to 10am; 3:15 to 8:45pm).
Subway Q (Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue bound): Take to Parkside Avenue Station and pick up the B-12 East New York bus directly across the street from exit. (See B-12
below.)
By Bus
B-12 Route:
East New York Avenue bus to Clarkson and New York Avenues.
B-44 Route:
Nostrand Avenue bus to Clarkson Avenue.
B-46
Route: Utica Avenue bus to Clarkson Avenue.
B-35
Route: Church Avenue bus to New York Avenue.
BY AUTOMOBILE:
From Manhattan
Via Brooklyn Battery
Tunnel: Gowanus Expressway to Prospect Expressway which becomes Ocean Parkway. First legal left turn onto Beverly
Road. Follow Beverly Road to Bedford Avenue. Right turn on Winthrop Street to 606
Via Brooklyn
Bridge: Continue off bridge on Adams Street to Atlantic Avenue. Left on Atlantic Avenue to Flatbush
Avenue. Right on Flatbush Avenue. Follow Flatbush Avenue around Grand Army Plaza and continue to Parkside Avenue. Left on
Parkside Avenue to New York Avenue. Right on New York Avenue Left on Winthrop Street to 606.
From Staten Island
Via Verrazano
Narrows Bridge: Exit to Fort Hamilton Parkway. Follow Parkway to Caton Avenue. Right on Caton Avenue
which becomes Linden Boulevard. Linden Boulevard to New York Avenue. Left on New York Avenue. Right on Winthrop Street to
606 Winthrop Street.
LaGuardia Airport: East
on Grand Central Parkway to Interborough Parkway to Pennsylvania Avenue. Follow Pennsylvania Avenue to Linden Boulevard. Right
on Linden Boulevard to New York Avenue. Right on Clarkson Avenue. Right on New York Avenue. Right on
Winthrop Street. 606 Winthrop Street.
Kennedy International
Airport: West on the Southern State Parkway (Belt Parkway) to Linden Boulevard exit. Right on Linden
Boulevard to New York Avenue. Right on New York Avenue to Clarkson Avenue. Right on Clarkson Avenue. Right on New York Avenue.
Right on Winthrop Street. 606 Winthrop Street.
From ALBANY
From: 99 Watervliet Ave Albany, NY 12206
Drive: 168
mi – about 3 hours 7 mins 1. Head southwest on Watervliet Ave toward Watervliet Ave Ext
292 ft 2. Turn right at Watervliet Ave Ext
0.3 mi 3. Turn right at Everett Rd 482 ft 4.
Turn right to merge onto I-90 E 2.8 mi 5. Take the exit onto I-787
S toward Albany 3.2 mi 6. Take exit 1 to merge onto I-87 S/New
York State Thruway S Partial toll road 122 mi 7. Take exit 13S for Palisades Pkwy S toward New
Jersey 0.4 mi 8. Merge onto Palisades Interstate Pkwy S
Entering New Jersey 18.1 mi 9. Take the exit toward GW Bridge Partial toll road 1.0 mi 10.
Merge onto I-95 N/US-1 N Entering New York 1.9 mi 11. Take exit 1C-3 to merge onto I-87
S/Major Deegan Expy toward Queens 3.4 mi 12. Take the exit onto
I-278 W toward Queens/Triboro Bridge/Manhattan Partial toll road 3.5 mi 13. Take the exit onto
Brooklyn Queens Expy W/I-278 W toward Staten Is/Brooklyn 6.4 mi 14. Take exit 31 toward Wythe
Ave/Kent Ave 0.1 mi 15. Merge onto Williamsburg St W
0.3 mi 16. Turn right at Flushing Ave 0.3 mi 17. Turn left at Washington Ave 1.8 mi 18.
Turn left at Eastern Pkwy 0.9 mi 19. Turn right at Brooklyn Ave
0.8 mi 20. Turn left at Winthrop St 0.3 mi To: 606 Winthrop St Brooklyn, NY 11203
FROM
UTICA
From: 13 Hopper St Utica, NY 13501 Drive:
253 mi – about 4 hours 27 mins 1. Head northwest on Hopper St toward King St
0.1 mi 2. Turn right at Genesee St 1.5 mi 3. Slight right to merge onto I-90 E/New York State Thruway E Partial toll road 84.4 mi 4.
Continue on I-87 S/New York State Thruway S (signs for Mass Pike/New York/Boston/I-87 S/New York Thruway S) Partial toll road
128 mi 5. Take exit 13S for Palisades Pkwy S toward New Jersey
0.4 mi 6. Merge onto Palisades Interstate Pkwy S Entering New Jersey 18.1 mi 7.
Take the exit toward GW Bridge Partial toll road 1.0 mi 8. Merge onto I-95 N/US-1 N Entering
New York 1.9 mi 9. Take exit 1C-3 to merge onto I-87 S/Major Deegan Expy toward Queens
3.4 mi 10. Take the exit onto I-278 W toward Queens/Triboro Bridge/Manhattan Partial toll road 3.5 mi 11. Take the exit onto Brooklyn Queens Expy W/I-278 W toward Staten Is/Brooklyn
6.4 mi 12. Take exit 31 toward Wythe Ave/Kent Ave
0.1 mi 13. Merge onto Williamsburg St W 0.3 mi 14.
Turn right at Flushing Ave 0.3 mi 15. Turn left at Washington
Ave 1.8 mi 16. Turn left at Eastern Pkwy
0.9 mi 17. Turn right at Brooklyn Ave 0.8 mi 18.
Turn left at Winthrop St
FROM LONG ISLAND
From: 159 Brightside Ave Central Islip, NY 11722
Drive:
44.3 mi – about 1 hour 5 mins up to 1 hour 30 mins in traffic
1. Head west
on Brightside Ave toward Islip Ave/RT-111 223 ft 2. Turn left
at Islip Ave/RT-111 2.1 mi 3. Turn right to merge onto Southern
Pkwy W/Southern State Pkwy toward New York 29.3 mi 4. Continue
on Belt Pkwy W 6.7 mi 5. Take exit 17W toward No Conduit Ave
0.3 mi 6. Merge onto Nassau Expy/RT-27 W Continue to follow RT-27 W 0.6 mi 7. Slight left at Linden Blvd/RT-27 W (signs for Linden Blvd) 4.0
mi 8. Slight left to stay on Linden Blvd/RT-27 W 1.0 mi 9.
Turn right at Albany Ave 0.3 mi 10. Turn left at Winthrop St
200 ft To: 606 Winthrop St Brooklyn, NY 11203
ou will be able to join us.