Demand for Due Process and Dignity in Rhode Island’s Mental Health System
Background
On October 1, 2024, I personally endured serious failures in Rhode Island’s approach to individuals with mental health disabilities. Months of seeking help from Congressman Amo’s staff about the Housing Choice Voucher program resulted in ongoing neglect; requests for disability accommodations due to my PTSD were lawfully required but repeatedly ignored. These failures directly contributed to a period of acute distress.

During a phone conversation made in that context, my statements were misrepresented as a threat of self-harm, despite no such intent. My brother can confirm what was actually said. Following this call, Pawtucket Police and Gateway Healthcare staff arrived at my residence, triggering a cascade of actions that disregarded my basic rights and security.

Violations and Rights Denied
Unlawful Involuntary Commitment
Police initiated an involuntary mental health commitment without providing a court order, written notice, or explaining my rights—a clear violation of both state law and constitutional due process.
Hospital Failures
At Roger Williams Hospital and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital:

No Patient Bill of Rights or Voluntary Commitment Forms:
I was never given these legally required documents during my commitment.
Religious Rights Denied:

Bible Access: My request for access to a Bible was denied. Staff claimed there was only one Bible available, and it was "currently in use." No effort was made to supply another Bible throughout my stay, despite the reasonable expectation that religious accommodation should be made.
Bible Study: I clearly communicated my wish to attend my regularly scheduled Bible study. That request was also denied, with no explanation or effort to facilitate participation.
Privacy for Prayer:
Although I was not prohibited from praying, there was no provision for privacy while doing so, further diminishing my sense of dignity and religious freedom.
Dismissive Treatment:
Nurses made disrespectful and dismissive comments regarding my requests, compounding the trauma and sense of dehumanization.
Legal Due Process Violations:
Hospital staff failed to inform me of my right to challenge my commitment in court and did not facilitate private means to contact an attorney.
Absence of Advocacy
I was never contacted by a patient advocate or representative from the Mental Health Advocate Office, despite legal obligations for such support.
Ignored Disability Accommodations
All formal requests for reasonable accommodation of my PTSD were ignored or rejected, violating requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Impact
I was left powerless and voiceless, stripped of privacy, religious freedom, due process, and trauma-informed care.
This experience is not isolated but highlights systemic issues in Rhode Island regarding due process failure, neglect of disability rights, absent advocacy, and inadequate oversight of law enforcement and health providers.
Call to Action
This pattern of neglect demands urgent, meaningful reform:

Policy Reform: Require training for law enforcement and healthcare staff in disability rights, religious accommodation, and trauma-informed practice.
Enforcement of the ADA: Guarantee religious, disability, and legal rights for all facing emergency commitment.
Strengthened Oversight: Mandate accountability for agencies, hospitals, and staff, with consequences for repeated violations.
Guaranteed Procedures: Ensure written rights, advocacy access, and religious accommodation are standard, not optional.
Transparent Complaints Processes: Establish effective systems for reporting and redress of rights violations.
Why I Am Sharing This
I share this experience to raise awareness about the widespread failures in Rhode Island’s mental health and hospital systems. No one should have to suffer the denial of fundamental rights—religion, privacy, due process, and health accommodations—because of a crisis. I urge legislators and public officials to ensure dignity, accountability, and lawful treatment for all, so others are not subjected to the same injustice I endured.