The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) marked the grand opening of its traveling exhibit on June 23 in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Mini Social event space. The event featured local businessman Jimmy Alauria as Master of Ceremonies, who introduced CCHR's mission to protect human rights in mental health. Guest speaker Judy Renfro, a member of JustServe, shared stories of community members affected by addiction and emphasized the responsibility of medical professionals when prescribing behavior-altering medications.
Ms. Renfro stated, "As a society, we place tremendous trust in medical professionals. That trust also carries a profound responsibility. When prescribing medications that can alter behavior, create dependency, impair judgment, or affect cognitive function, careful consideration must be given not only to the intended benefits but also to the long-term consequences for the individual, their family, and the broader community."
The exhibit, which includes graphic panels and documentaries, exposes the history of false science and abuses in the psychiatric industry. Visitors expressed surprise at the origins of psychiatry and the extent of documented abuses. The exhibit has since continued its tour of major U.S. cities, issuing warnings about the potential dangers of psychiatric treatments. CCHR operates 14 identical traveling exhibits worldwide. For more information, visit the CCHR website or watch documentaries on CCHR volunteers and the film Psychiatry: An Industry of Death on the Scientology Network.
Co-founded in 1969 by psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology, CCHR includes commissioners from various professional backgrounds committed to ending physically damaging practices in mental health.
