Mental Health Advocates oppose House Bill 2467 on civil commitment practices in Oregon

During a recent meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Judiciary, significant concerns were raised regarding House Bill 2467, which proposes changes to the civil commitment process for individuals facing mental health crises. Testimonies from various advocates and individuals with lived experiences highlighted the potential dangers of forced treatment and the inadequacies of the current mental health system.

One poignant testimony came from a former patient who described being subjected to involuntary treatment at a young age, which included dangerous medications and electroshock therapy. This individual emphasized the lasting trauma caused by these experiences, stating, "What was done to me... ruined my life." They urged committee members to oppose the bill, arguing that forced treatment is not an act of goodwill but rather a violation of personal rights.

Jude Casar, a supervising attorney at Disability Rights Oregon, provided a stark overview of the civil commitment system in Multnomah County, where one-third of all commitments in Oregon occur. Casar noted that individuals are often released from hospitals without adequate follow-up care, leading to a cycle of rehospitalization and homelessness. "People are more vulnerable after release from civil commitment than they were before," he stated, underscoring the need for reform.

Another speaker shared their personal experience of being civilly committed, highlighting the trauma and long-term consequences of such actions, including difficulties in travel and employment due to the stigma associated with civil commitment. They called for a shift towards voluntary treatment options rather than coercive measures.

Sarah Smith, representing the Family Alliance for Mental Health Recovery, spoke on behalf of her daughter, who endured 12 civil commitments over six years. She described the severe impact of forced treatments, including cognitive impairment and loss of autonomy, and opposed any legislation that would facilitate easier civil commitments for young people.

The testimonies collectively painted a picture of a broken system that often fails to provide the necessary support for individuals in crisis. As the committee considers House Bill 2467, the voices of those affected by civil commitment underscore the urgent need for a compassionate and effective approach to mental health treatment in Oregon. The discussions from this meeting will likely influence future legislative actions aimed at reforming the state's mental health care system.