Unite for Patients Rights

We are a coalition of patients and families in psychiatric hospitals in Virginia seeking to organize to protect patient's rights. Currently based out of Western State hospital, this is a patient initiated platform designed to organize supporters around inpatient quality of life issues and rights.

Here, families and patients can find information about the issues, keep updated about upcoming events, and connect with others who understand their journey.

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Latest Updates

Robert's Rules of Order

ROBERT’S RULES FOR TINY GROUPS (The “We’re Only 4–5 People, Let’s Not Fight” Edition) Citizens’ Council – Western State Hospital Why we use this stuff: So meetings don’t turn into a chaotic group chat. Think of it as traffic lights for talking — keeps everything fair and moving. 1. How to Start Something (The Motion) Raise your hand or say: “I make a motion to…” Example: “I make a motion to have pizza parties every Friday!” Pro Tip: Keep it short. No one wants a novel. 2. The

Update on the Package Ban at Western State Hospital:

Patients and Advocates Deliver Strong Message to Governor Abigail Spanberger Staunton, VA — Patients at Western State Hospital (WSH), along with supporters from the Citizens' Council, continue to push back against the facility's blanket ban on incoming packages. The policy restricts personal belongings from family and loved ones, limiting access to essential items like fresh clothing, hygiene products, books, and meaningful personal or religious objects. In a coordinated advo

The disAbility Law Center of Virginia

disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV) is the designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It advocates for people with disabilities across the state, focusing on protecting legal, human, and civil rights while addressing issues like abuse, neglect, and discrimination. Mission and Vision Mission: Advance independence, choice, and self-determination; protect legal, human, and civil rights; and eliminate abuse, neglect, and discrimin

2026 SHRC (State Human Rights Committee) Meeting Schedule

Meetings are typically held at 9:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Virtual participation links are available on the Commonwealth Calendar. Date Location January 15 Western State Hospital (Staunton) – Region 1 March 5 Region Ten CSB (Charlottesville) – Region 1 April 9 Virginia Center for Behavioral Rehabilitation (Burkeville) – Region 4 May 21 disAbility Law Center of Virginia (Richmond) June 25 TBD – Region 3 (Roanoke area) August 13 TBD – Region 5 September 24 TBD – Region 2

The Daisy Awards

The DAISY Awards are an international recognition program celebrating nurses who provide extraordinary compassionate care. Established by...

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