Florida Human Rights Organization Honors Mental Health Advocates at Annual Awards Banquet
The Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida is recognizing volunteers and community partners working to reform mental health practices and protect human rights through its 9th Annual Humanitarian Awards Banquet.
The Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida will host its 9th Annual Humanitarian Awards Banquet on Sunday, November 8th, 2025, celebrating volunteers and community partners dedicated to advancing human rights and improving mental health practices throughout the state. The event will take place from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the historic Fort Harrison in downtown Clearwater.
Attorney Paul Figueroa will receive the 2025 CCHR Florida Humanitarian Award, while Father Bob Swick will be honored with the 2025 CCHR Florida Lifetime Achievement Award. The banquet recognizes individuals and organizations committed to safeguarding basic freedoms and restoring dignity in mental health care. Attendees will enjoy a banquet dinner and live musical performance during an evening dedicated to celebrating achievements and promoting continued positive change in mental health advocacy.
"Our mission is to restore and secure basic freedoms and rights—especially for our next generation, our leaders of tomorrow," stated Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida. "This event highlights the incredible work being done to ensure protection for all Floridians under the law, particularly in the effort to reform mental health legislation and prevent abuse."
CCHR Florida maintains active public service efforts focused on educating the general public about legal rights, exposing abuses, and working with lawmakers to enact meaningful reforms. The organization has gained recognition for its advocacy surrounding Florida's Baker Act, specifically working to reduce involuntary psychiatric examinations and advocating for more humane and transparent processes in mental health care.
The organization traces its origins to 1969 when it was initially established by the Church of Scientology and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz. CCHR's mission focuses on eradicating abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enacting patient and consumer protections. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, first brought psychiatric imprisonment to wide public notice, writing in March 1969 about thousands being "seized without process of law, every week, over the 'free world' tortured, castrated, killed. All in the name of 'mental health.'"
The annual awards event serves as both recognition for past achievements and motivation for continued advocacy work in mental health reform. By honoring those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to human rights in mental health care, CCHR Florida aims to inspire broader community involvement and legislative action toward creating more ethical and transparent mental health practices across the state.