Every Woman in Need of Respite
Individuals placed on a 5150 hold may also face further restrictions to their freedom: those same designated professionals can place the person on a 5250 hold (up to 14 additional days of involuntary intensive treatment and evaluation) and subsequently on a 5260 hold for long-term involuntary treatment for up to one full year.
California is not alone in this - other states have their own versions, including Virginia's "Emergency Custody Order", provisions of the Florida Mental Health Act, and in Illinois where free individuals may face involuntary commitment to a mental health facility.
How many of you are aware of this? How many women in crisis situations know about it? It could happen to someone you know, someone you love, someone like you...
What if there were an alternative to risking the many negative (horrifying, in some cases) consequences of being subjected to a 5150? This fundraising initiative seeks to establish that alternative while raising awareness of options available to women in crisis situations.
Think about what can happen in three days... the consequences could last a lifetime.
Think about what can happen in three days...
Have you heard of the term "5150"? Under California law, certain designated professionals (including police officers) can place a person in an involuntary 72-hour psychiatric hold if they are stated to be experiencing a mental health crisis and evaluated to be a danger to others, themselves, or are gravely disabled.
"5150" is named after article §5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. A 5150 goes on your permanent record and can result in long-term consequences such as restrictions on owning or possessing firearms, obtaining some professional licenses, and may negatively influence future commitments.
This fundraising initiative was established in the name of and in homage to Rita E Augusta (May 11, 1973 ~ May 18, 2023).
Rita left this world far too soon but her legacy - decades of service to a wealth of charitable causes - lives on.
By supporting Rita's Respite, you're making a real difference in the lives of women whose vision of a bright future is clouded by fear, doubt and hopelessness.