Orange County, we have a serious problem. Our tax dollars are funding a mental health system that is failing its most vulnerable citizens. At the center of this crisis is Telecare, an organization that claims to care for those with mental illness but instead perpetuates a cycle of neglect, victim-blaming, and outright cruelty. It’s time we take a stand and demand change before more lives are lost.
Telecare’s Tough Love: A Modern-Day Atrocity
In my recent blog post, , I exposed how Telecare’s association with 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous has created a toxic environment where victims of domestic violence, rape, and child abuse are blamed for their trauma. These programs not only fail to help but actively harm the people they are supposed to serve.
This is not just an isolated issue. Telecare’s entire approach, rooted in the so-called “tough love” philosophy, is a modern-day atrocity. As I’ve written before, . This might sound extreme, but when you consider that Telecare regularly makes mentally ill individuals homeless under the guise of “tough love,” it’s hard to see it any other way. Just this week, my former housemate Brian died on the streets from an overdose (114). Telecare refused him further housing and treatment, despite his severe schizophrenia and substance abuse issues. Brian’s death wasn’t just preventable; it was the result of systemic neglect.
Our Tax Dollars at Work: Funding Neglect and Abuse
Let’s not forget that our tax dollars are funding this neglect. In my post, , I highlighted how public defenders in Orange County are often more aligned with the District Attorney than with the people they are supposed to represent. This same misuse of funds is evident in the way Telecare operates. Our hard-earned money is being funneled into a system that prioritizes cost-cutting and bureaucracy over the well-being of our community members.
The Standoff for Safe Housing: A Sign of Desperation
This week, I’m expecting a journalist to cover my story, . This isn’t just about me; it’s about every individual who has been neglected, mistreated, or forgotten by a system that should be providing care and support. The fact that I have to resort to such measures to get attention speaks volumes about how broken this system is.
A Call to Action: Demand Accountability Now
It’s time to take action, Orange County. We can no longer sit back and allow organizations like Telecare to destroy lives under the guise of “care.” We need to hold them accountable for their actions, and we need to do it now. Here’s how:
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Write to your local government representatives. Demand a full investigation into Telecare’s practices and insist on reforms that put people over profits. Our tax dollars should be used to help, not harm.
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Raise awareness. Share this blog post, share your own experiences, and use hashtags like #TakeDownTelecare, #StopTheNeglect, and #AccountabilityNow to make sure your voice is heard.
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Attend local council meetings. Show up and speak out. Let your representatives know that we won’t tolerate this kind of neglect any longer.
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Support real solutions. Get involved with grassroots organizations that are working to provide humane and effective mental health care in our community.
Telecare Must Be Held Accountable
The time for action is now. We owe it to Brian, to ourselves, and to everyone who has suffered under Telecare’s neglectful practices. Let’s take down Telecare and build a mental health system that truly cares for all.
Dan and Bonkers
WRITE YOUR LOCAL OFFICIALS AND TAKE DOWN TELECARE!!!
SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS!!!
