CCHR Florida Marks 36 Years of Advocacy for Mental Health Human Rights

The Florida chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is commemorating 36 years of service as a mental health watchdog, with an anniversary celebration set for July 12th at the historic Fort Harrison in Clearwater. Originating from a volunteer initiative in 1977, CCHR Florida has evolved into an award-winning nonprofit, focusing on safeguarding children and families from mental health abuses and advocating for human rights within the field.

Since its formal establishment in 1989, CCHR Florida has been instrumental in educating the public on mental health rights and combating psychiatric abuses, contributing to the passage of over 50 laws aimed at mental health reform. A significant achievement includes the amendment of Florida law in 2021, requiring parental notification before a child can be subjected to an involuntary psychiatric examination, known as Baker Acting. This change came after CCHR's campaign highlighted the alarming rate of over 36,000 such examinations on children in 2019-2020.

Recognized with eleven awards for its efforts, including the prestigious Platinum Award, CCHR Florida boasts a membership in the thousands and has facilitated the release of more than 1,800 individuals from unjust Baker Acts since 2015. The organization's work underscores the importance of vigilance and advocacy in protecting mental health human rights and ensuring legal reforms to prevent abuse.