A standing-room-only crowd gathered Thursday evening at Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church in Portland for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) traveling exhibit, "Psychiatry: An Industry of Death." The event drew community leaders, clergy, advocates, and members of the public, reflecting growing interest in mental health accountability as Oregon's mental health system faces heightened scrutiny.
Recent months have seen the Oregon State Hospital under investigation, with whistleblower allegations and legislative inquiries into patient care, including reports of prolonged seclusion and medical neglect. Organizers said the exhibit's arrival in Portland was timely, addressing these concerns through historical displays, documentary films, and educational presentations.
Dr. Dave Carothers, President of CCHR Oregon, welcomed attendees and thanked Pastor Dr. J.W. Matt Hennessee and the congregation for hosting. "This exhibit is intended to educate the public about the history of psychiatry, documented human rights violations, and the need for continued reform and protection of patient rights," Carothers said. CCHR, founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology, is an international mental health watchdog organization dedicated to protecting patient rights and promoting informed consent.
Pastor Hennessee spoke about confronting difficult chapters of history. "We must understand the mistakes and harms of the past so they are never repeated," he said. "By learning from history and working together, we can help build a better future."
Keynote speaker Ginny Burton, a nationally recognized author and criminal justice reform advocate from Olympia, Washington, shared her personal experiences with addiction, incarceration, family trauma, and the loss of her son by suicide while on psychiatric drugs. She emphasized the importance of critically examining current approaches to mental health and addiction treatment.
Following the presentations, Carothers, Pastor Hennessee, Burton, and Church of Scientology community representative Benjamin Klevit cut the ribbon, officially opening the exhibit. Attendees stayed long after to tour the exhibit, view documentaries, and engage in extended discussions. Organizers described the evening as an overwhelming success, noting the strong community desire for dialogue on patient rights and mental health reform.
The exhibit features dozens of educational panels exploring the history of psychiatry, psychiatric drugs, patient rights, eugenics, and institutional abuses. Visitors can also view documentary films and educational resources. Admission is free, and the public is invited to visit daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through July 13, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 14, after which the exhibit will travel to Seattle, Washington.
This CCHR exhibit is part of a global tour, with 14 identical traveling exhibits in countries worldwide. For more information, visit the CCHR website, or watch documentaries on the work of CCHR volunteers and the film Psychiatry: An Industry of Death on the Scientology Network.
