2009 Conference Highlights: June 10
The Gardens at Saint Elizabeths
A National Memorial of Recovered Dignity
As part of its Centennial Celebration and Conference, Mental Health America-in partnership with the District of Columbia Department of Mental Health-held a dedication memorial ceremony on June 10 on the grounds of Saint Elizabeths Hospital for hundreds of thousands of patients who were buried, many with unmarked graves, at state psychiatric hospitals nationwide.
"It is hard to imagine a more fitting tribute to Mental Health America's centennial and to the legacy of Clifford Beers than dedicating a Beers quote for this new memorial," said David L. Shern, Ph.D. President and CEO of Mental Health America. "Like the Tomb of the Unknowns, they stand as a tribute to the hundreds of thousands lost to custodial institutions and the hope for all during our next hundred years. We must embrace our past, appreciate our accomplishments and envision a new future."
The service dedicated a quote from Mental Health America founder Clifford W. Beers that will be part of the national memorial. The quote, "I must fight in the open," was the adamant response Beers gave to the suggestion that he launch his mental health movement anonymously. Individuals with mental illness had long been considered the lowest caste of individuals in society. Instead of hiding from the discrimination and the stigma, Beers openly confronted it.
"Clifford Beers would have been proud," said event organizer and Mental Health America board member Larry Fricks. "This represents how far the movement Beers started has come."
The Gardens at Saint Elizabeths-A National Memorial of Recovered Dignity - will be woven into an existing 10-acre cemetery (right) that inters some 4,500 psychiatric patients who died at the federal facility. Nearly half of those with military grave markers are veterans dating back to the Civil War; the rest are civilians from the District of Columbia with no grave markers.
"This national memorial sends a powerful message," said Kathryn Power, Director, Center for Mental Health Services. "It gives a voice tothose who did not have one during their lives. It is a major step in reversing injustice and is a symbol of consumer strength and autonomy."
See more photos from the event at Mental Health America's Flicker!
www.flickr.com/photos/mentalhealthamerica
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