Two years ago, I feared for my daughter’s well-being. She exhibited signs of distress, and I was the one pleading for help. Thankfully, she is now safe, but others are not as fortunate. Mina’s son is a heart-wrenching testament to the urgent need for improved mental health care and oversight.

Mina’s 17-year-old son began attending outpatient therapy at Prairie Ridge, a facility presumably equipped to address and support mental health needs. Despite the absence of a prior history of mental health issues, he was assessed, with the frequency of sessions gradually reduced from bi-weekly to monthly. On December 3, he had a brief, 30-minute appointment, after which he was discharged with reassurances of his progress. Tragically, the very next day, December 4, 2024, Mina’s son took his own life.

This devastating loss raises alarming concerns about the adequacy of evaluations and follow-ups in mental health treatment facilities. If a young person can be deemed "doing well" only to end his life within 24 hours, it calls into question the rigor of therapeutic assessments and the criteria for discharge.

Moreover, when Mina reached out after the initial appointment for information and support, her requests were denied, leaving her in the dark, unable to navigate or understand the treatment process her son was undergoing. This lack of communication only compounds the tragedy and highlights systemic issues that must be addressed. 

Prairie Ridge must be held accountable. We demand an investigation for Ayden. We demand a mandatory, comprehensive review process before discharging mental health patients, especially young individuals who may not fully articulate their struggles. A more thorough evaluation protocol, coupled with open communication channels between therapists and parents or guardians, is essential. Patients must not be prematurely released based on superficial assessments or insufficient observations.

Sign this petition to implore mental health facilities to uphold rigorous, empathetic, and transparent standards of care to prevent future tragedies like that of Mina’s son. Together, we can advocate for these critical changes to safeguard the mental well-being of our youth. Please sign if you believe in the necessity of reforming mental health assessments and ensuring no family has to endure such an irreparable loss.