ATASCADERO STATE HOSPITAL, PENAL CODE SECTION 2684 PRISON COMMITMENTS

  • DSHABUSE has done an extensive investigation involving this population of 300-400 patients who are sent to DSH for 6-12 months from CDCR to be stabilized for serious mental illness. We have interviewed several patients who are representative of the population and the issues going on there;

  • All patients in this population are living in fear that if they file any complaint about conditions, they will be viewed as trouble makers, their treatment will be terminated and they will be sent back to prison;

  • Black patients especially have been targeted by psychiatrists on at least two of the PC2684 units;

  • Handicapped patients for several months over the past year on unit 33 had to get on their hands and knees in a broken ADA shower and pour water over their heads with a cup to wash themselves;

  • Low functioning patients have been abandoned in their beds and ignored by staff.