More Shocking Revelations About Patient Records: This week, GBH/NPR Radio in Boston aired an extensive piece about the barriers that families of people who died in institutions are facing when they want those records from the state.

The piece reveals the gut-wrenching degree to which inaction by the legislature and shoddy legal excuses by Secretary of State William Galvin are causing harm to hundreds, if not thousands, of people who deserve to know what happened to their loved ones. [You can listen to and read the piece here]

At the same time, this week, the The Boston Globe showed how the City of Waltham--which intentionally left thousands of patient records open to vandals for ten years--is now stonewalling former residents, families, and employees who want a more considerate re-use of this National Register Historic Property.

As the article notes, the Disability Law Center of Massachusetts has filed a complaint with the Federal government over the handling of patient records, asking for an investigation into the State and The City of Waltham.

Your Voice Matters, Truly and Fully, and We Need a Hand: At the moment, it looks like business as usual, which means state and local officials are doing nothing at all. Can you help us make it clear that this will not stand? Here are specific steps you can take so that people can see the records they have a right to see:

• Ask Senator Michael Rodrigues, Chairman of Ways and Means, to open up records after 75 years by passing S.1965 right away. Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov (617) 722-1114
• Ask Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chairman of Ways and Means, top open up records after 75 years by passing H.3033 right away. Aaron.M.Michlewitz@mahouse.gov (617) 722-2990
• Call the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts and ask whether they have opened an investigation into the City of Waltham's wanton destruction of patient records and public property. (617) 748-3100
• Call Secretary of the Commonwealth, William Galvin and demand that he aligns their interpretation of records laws with the one that courts and all other lawyers in Massachusetts uphold. (800) 392-6090.

It is increasingly clear that without significant pressure, government will show disdain for the disabled in death as much as in life, and that they are standing in the way of a much-needed reckoning with the hidden history of these institutions, led by the very people who have the greatest right to read those records in their entirety. Thank you for your continued support in this effort.