Kudos To St. Vincent's Mental Health Unit

Can you believe that there are psychiatric hospitals in our Land of Enchantment that transport consumers to their CIVIL mental health commitment hearings in a law enforcement vehicle in shackles and handcuffs? As if that disservice were not enough, there are times when the individual remains cuffed and shackled during the hearing. Can there be more? OH YES! In some areas of the state the consumer is placed in a cell while awaiting the hearing.

Thanks to Doctor Nina Klebanoff, Director of St. Vincent's Behavioral Health Unit, this practice will soon come to an end at her facility. Dr. Klebanoff spoke to the District Attorney's office about having the hospital drive the consumers to their hearings. An agreement was reached and as soon as staff is trained in transport, the cuffs and shackles will be gone. Thank you Dr. Klebanoff.