Hi everyone, 

My name is Lacey Cains. Mental health awareness has always been very important to me. My passion for spreading awareness for mental health and breaking the stigma has now expanded in a way that I did not expect- awareness for abuse and neglect in psychiatric facilities.

During my stay in a psychiatric hospital as a patient, I was shocked to see that abuse and neglect in psychiatric facilities is a very real, present day problem. I thought that this type of abuse and neglect was generally an issue of the past, until I was physically assaulted during my stay and no testing was done to check for serious injury. I was not violent or a threat at the time of the assault and regardless, even if I had been dangerous, assault cannot be justified.

I now work at the same psychiatric hospital that I was assaulted in.
It's been almost 2 years since I was assaulted and in that time I have learned that there are so many people enduring treatment similar to and worse than what I experienced.  It broke my heart to learn that Jean, CaSonya and Haywood have actually lost their lives due to the abuse and neglect of "caregivers" and "healthcare workers"- while in their most vulnerable state. 

When I came across this petition I saw an opportunity to honor some of our fellow humans who have fallen victim to this neglect and abuse.

It could not be more critical for us to come together and bring light to this issue so that those in charge will have no choice but to make a change! 

I make music inspired by my experiences with mental illness and time spent in psychiatric facilities.

I’d like to share a song with you.

Please click the link below to hear a song I wrote called, "Far Gone".
I dedicate this song to Jean, CaSonya and Haywood. https://youtu.be/BscmSwscF5s?si=kW6WFHPn92fcHCIr

You can also stream my single, listen to my radio interview, connect with me on social media, and more here: linktr.ee/laceycains

______

If you would like to share a message or art in support of this petition please email us at matransgenderrights@proton.me

CaSonya King and Jean Busch were patient dumped which is often the direct result of insurances denying coverage, a topic that has never been more relevant. Let's let our leaders know NOW is the time to make change. Let's make so much noise they have to listen!

If you feel passionately about this petition please consider sharing and/or donating to change.org to help it reach as many people as possible.