#114: Public Hostage Public Ransom (ft. William Bronston)

It's Not Just In Your Head

Psychotherapist Dr. Harriet Fraad is joined by activist physician William Bronston MD to discuss his astonishing book 'Public Hostage Public Ransom: Ending Institutional America':

"Public Hostage should make you outraged. The mistreatment of disabled people in Willowbrook and the mistreatment today of disabled people living in institutions must be understood and together we must fight to provide people the supports they need to live their lives integrated in our communities with dignity and respect. We as a society are responsible for these atrocities if we remain silent..."

"William gives readers an in-depth look at how and why places like Willowbrook existed in the first place, and how financial incentives, hard-wired into the way health care is delivered in this country, encourage institutionalization of one form or another at the expense of more humane, more effective, and more cost effective home based health care. The result has been the continual use of for profit nursing homes and “assistive living centers” to which millions of elders and people with disabilities remain consigned..."

"His book delivers a timely, well-written and meticulously documented argument that radical change is needed. His book is a must read for anyone interested in disability rights, elder rights and health care reform."

References:

Public Hostage Public Ransom: Ending Institutional America: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61146053-public-hostage-public-ransom?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=eFvmxPITOD&rank=1

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51152447-caste?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=VauQJxpgAG&rank=1

The Lost Girls of Willowbrook: A Heartbreaking Novel of Survival Based on True History by Ellen Marie Wiseman: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63051263-the-lost-girls-of-willowbrook?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=2kJGVz4vp4&rank=1

YES! Magazine: https://www.yesmagazine.org/

Natural Causes: Life, Death and the Illusion of Control by Barbara Ehrenreich: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35959785-natural-causes?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Z7ASZ2YiFq&rank=9

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ATTENTION! This is a Boring Dystopia/Obligatory 'don't sue us' message: This podcast provides numerous different perspectives and criticisms of the mental health space, however, it should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional with regards to any health decisions or management.