The State of Minnesota has an “ombudsman” program charged with supporting and protecting the human rights of citizens. Ms. Opheim is
Name: Roberta Opheim, Ombudsman, Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, State of Minnesota
City/State: Minneapolis, MN
Connection to Ray’s case: Ms. Opheim has been informed as an ombudsman in Minnesota about the human rights violations of Ray Sandford due to his ongoing involuntary electroshock. The Office of Ombudsman has joined the ECT Work Group initiated by Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC).
Because of client confidentiality, Ms. Opheim has declined to state a position about Ray’s situation publicly.
Public position on Ray Sandford’s forced outpatient electroshock: Unknown.
Public position in general on outpatient involuntary electroshock over expressed wishes of subject: Has joined MDLC-initaited ECT Work Group to “explore possible policy and legislative changes to the use of ECT in Minnesota.”
IMPORTANT NOTE: MindFreedom and Ray endorse nonviolence principles. Even if an individual or agency opposes Ray’s human rights, MindFreedom and Ray ask that any communication be civil.
Action:
Please ask Ms. Opheim to inform you of progress in addressing the involuntary outpatient electroshock issue.
E-mail: Roberta.Opheim@state.mn.us