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Aug 10, 2009
Text of Ray Sandford's Statement to Minnesota State Legislature
Because of Ray Sandford's campaign against his forced electroshock, the Minnesota State Legislature is holding a public hearing today on the topic of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and individuals who are committed in the state mental health system. Ray Sandford has issued a signed statement for today's hearing.
For many Wednesdays, Ray Sandford would have forced electroshocks, sometimes weekly, sometimes every other week, sometimes monthly.
Because of public outcry, Ray Sandford's last forced electroshock was on 15 April 2009.
Even though the mental health system predicted he had to receive regular forced electroshocks or suffer problems, Ray has actually done better since the forced electroshocks stopped.
Below is the text for Ray's statement about his forced shock.
To see an image of Ray's signed statement, click here.
Ray's statement to the Minnesota State Legislature:
"After having over 40 ECT treatments and having many ill effects, I now feel much better.
"I no longer am bothered by severe shaking hands and my memory is improving. It is wonderful not to dread the approach of Wednesday and the hateful prep time. I feel I can live a more normal life. Having ECT was one of the most traumatic times of my life!"
Ray Sandford
9/08/09
Please let others know about Ray's statement above. Here's a small web address to this blog entry:
Aug 06, 2009
Ray Sandford announced he now has a new psychiatrist
Ray is getting closer to victory. He has phoned MindFreedom that the mental health system has approved the new psychiatrist he is seeing, and this new psychiatrist is pledged against forced electroshock.
Ray Sandford calls MindFreedom almost every day or so, always polite and consider about time.
This morning's call had some very good news indeed.
For months Ray's been trying to change his psychiatrist. His past psychiatrist wanted to quit because of all the publicity.
Ray's friends found him a psychiatrist who supported Ray's human rights to say "no" to electroshock. But at first Ray's mental health system would not officially accept the change.
Today, Ray said it's official: Ray's case manager told him his new psychiatrist has been approved.
Ray is one more step closer to no forced electroshock.
His last forced electroshock was on tax day, 15 April 2009. May that always be his last electroshock.
In the meantime, there's good news on the Minnesota state legislative front. See the below announcement about a hearing scheduled today in the state legislature. We heard from a reliable source in the legislature that this hearing is because of Ray's campaign!
Subject: Upcoming HCHS Policy hearing
MONDAY, August 10, 2009
1:00 PM
Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight
Room: 200 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Paul Thissen
Agenda: HF2386 (Hortman) Complex regional pain syndrome education and research program act -- informational hearing only
Hospital acquired infections reporting and quality improvement
Pandemic preparedness and the H1N1 influenza virus
Electroconvulsive therapy treatment for persons under civil commitment
Kate Perushek - Kate.Perushek@house.mn
Committee Administrator
Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee
Minnesota House of Representatives
353A State Office Building
(651) 296-3244
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