PORTLAND, OR — A standing-room-only crowd of community leaders, clergy, advocates, and members of the public gathered Thursday evening at Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights' (CCHR) traveling exhibit, "Psychiatry: An Industry of Death."
The enthusiastic turnout underscored the growing public interest in mental health accountability at a time when Oregon's mental health system has come under heightened public scrutiny. In recent months, the Oregon State Hospital has faced investigations, whistleblower allegations, and legislative scrutiny over patient care, including reports of prolonged seclusion practices and concerns regarding medical neglect. Against this backdrop, organizers said the exhibit's arrival in Portland could not have been more timely.
Hosted by Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, the exhibit examines the history of psychiatry, patient rights, documented abuses within the psychiatric system, and ongoing efforts to advance human rights and informed consent in mental health care through historical displays, documentary films, and educational presentations.
Dr. Dave Carothers, President of the Oregon chapter of Citizens Commission on Human Rights, welcomed attendees and expressed his appreciation to Pastor Dr. J.W. Matt Hennessee and the congregation for making the exhibit possible. "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 told the audience. He explained that 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, promoting informed consent, and encouraging accountability within the mental health system.
Pastor Hennessee spoke about the importance of 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."
The keynote address was delivered by nationally recognized author and criminal justice reform advocate Ginny Burton of Olympia, Washington. Burton shared her deeply personal experiences with addiction, incarceration, family trauma, and the loss of her son by suicide while he was on psychiatric drugs, emphasizing the importance of carefully examining current approaches to mental health and addiction treatment.
Following the presentations, Carothers, Pastor Hennessee, Burton, and Church of Scientology community representative Benjamin Klevit participated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting, officially opening the exhibit to the public. Attendees remained long after the ceremony concluded to tour the exhibit, view documentary presentations, and engage presenters in extended discussion. Organizers described the evening as an overwhelming success, noting the standing-room-only attendance and exceptionally positive public response demonstrated a strong community desire for thoughtful dialogue on patient rights, accountability, and mental health reform.
The exhibit features dozens of educational panels exploring the historical development of psychiatry, psychiatric drugs, patient rights, eugenics, institutional abuses, and related historical events. Visitors may also view documentary films and educational resources. Admission is free, and the public is invited to visit through July 13 from 9am-8pm and July 14 from 9am-5pm, after which it will depart for Seattle, Washington.
For more information, visit the CCHR website, or watch documentaries on the Scientology Network.
