I speak to you from a place of personal experience and utter disbelief. I was attacked, beaten, and then wrongfully charged with felonies by UPMC "police" while being treated inpatient at UPMC Altoona for a severe mental health crisis. Disgustingly, I am not the first or the last to bear such a story - it’s a heartbreaking practice that happens far too often. Even high-ranking county employees have labeled the UPMC police's conduct as "infuriating" and a "travesty".

Despite the mental agony I still bear, I initiate this petition with the hope that we can all converge to make an impactful change. By signing this petition, we demand strict measures against police violence in places meant for healing and recovery. We also request appropriate departments and officials to undertake a thorough investigation into UPMC police department’s actions, especially concerning mental health patients.

Mental health patients need care, empathy, and understanding, not unjustified violence and wrongful felonies. We need to create a safe and welcoming environment for treatment and recovery. Let’s make UPMC Altoona, and other such institutions, safe havens for mental health patients – just as they are supposed to be. This is more than a petition; it’s an urgent plea to help those dealing with mental illness in our city. Please, sign this petition and stand up against police brutality. Your signature can protect someone's life and their mental well-being.