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	<title>NGCLT</title>
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	<link>http://www.ngclt.org</link>
	<description>Community in Action</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:13:28 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Giving Wine Gifts</title>
		<link>http://www.ngclt.org/community/giving-wine-gifts/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ngclt.org/community/giving-wine-gifts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Feb 2012 17:13:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>theadmin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wine, wine gifts, fires, disaster, Hurricane Katrina]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ngclt.org/community/giving-a-wine-gift/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hurricane Katrina was certainly a wake up call for this country and how we achieve proper disaster preparedness as well as response. &#160;I&#8217;ve lived in California almost my entire adult life and one thing I&#8217;ve realized is that the average American doesn&#8217;t understand how difficult it is to deal with wild fires. After the most [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hurricane Katrina was certainly a wake up call for this country and how we achieve proper disaster preparedness as well as response. &nbsp;I&rsquo;ve lived in California almost my entire adult life and one thing I&rsquo;ve realized is that the average American doesn&rsquo;t understand how difficult it is to deal with wild fires.</p>
<p>After the most recent set of wild fires, my wife and I gave a series of <a href="http://www.uncorkedventures.com/Gifts">wine gifts</a> to those living in government disaster shelters. &nbsp;Wine might seem like an odd gift when someone has had their home destroyed, but one thing we realized being evacuated ourselves was/is that anything you can do to provide a sense of normalcy makes a ton of difference!</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Latest World News In Communication</title>
		<link>http://www.ngclt.org/uncategorized/latest-world-news-in-communication/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ngclt.org/uncategorized/latest-world-news-in-communication/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:41:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>unkn0wn</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ngclt.org/?p=81</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The latest world news in communication is that the world&#8217;s largest search engine is changing its privacy policy. This is a bid to make the search engine&#8217;s results more accurate and close to what the users would like to access. 60 policies will be affected in the review in a bid to make the search [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6534646361_1872215737.jpg" alt="Cordyceps_Communications" width="223" height="142" />The latest world news in communication is that the world&#8217;s largest search engine is changing its privacy policy. This is a bid to make the search engine&#8217;s results more accurate and close to what the users would like to access. 60 policies will be affected in the review in a bid to make the search engine better and faster. The Google&#8217;s director of privacy, product and engineering says the move will help advertisers connect with their clients. Some of the products that the Google products that would be affected include YouTube, Gmail, Google search and its recent social networking site, Google plus.</p>
<p>This is a great score to those who promote <a title="Learn more about Cordyceps" href="http://cordycepsreviews.com/about-cordyceps/">Cordyceps</a> and its application. There has been an increased demand on information concerning Cordyceps and most patients would like to know its treatment scope, its usability and the price. Many would also like to know if Cordyceps could be sold in their states and the procedures of importing and exporting the medical remedy. If the latest world news in communication is anything to go by then many will benefit from specialized searches about Cordyceps.</p>
<p>Cordyceps is a natural remedy, which has seen many take care of chronic and terminal illness. The remedy can also be used as a preventive measure. It is known to inhibit the tumor cells from developing. The Cordyceps have successfully been used to take care of wide ranging skin diseases as well as digestive problems. Those who promote Cordyceps online, would now have a chance to connect with their target audience without facing competition from sites that deal with competing products. The latest world news on communication has also assured users that they can now share their private information on the Cordyceps related sites and be sure to have it safe with the internet company.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>How to Help Your Community in Your Own Way</title>
		<link>http://www.ngclt.org/community/how-to-help-your-community-in-your-own-way/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ngclt.org/community/how-to-help-your-community-in-your-own-way/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:51:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>stevehudson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ngclt.org/?p=77</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We all belong to a particular community. But, have we ever wondered what can we do to help improve the overall standing of our community? If you think your busy schedule from work or business is what inhibits you from doing something productive, then, this is the perfect chance to get out and be involved. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We all belong to a particular community. But, have we ever wondered what can we do to help improve the overall standing of our community? If you think your busy schedule from work or business is what inhibits you from doing something productive, then, this is the perfect chance to get out and be involved. It won’t take a great deal of your time. Simple active contributions on your part would make a big difference to your community.</p>
<p>Below are some suggestions on how you can be a part of the changes for the better in your community. Learn them and try to do one each day if given the opportunity:</p>
<ol>
<li>Support the litter-free programs in you place. This is a good way to start doing some concrete actions for the improvement of your community’s surroundings and garbage concerns. If you see litter along the pavement while you walk, pick it up and throw it to the nearest garbage bin.</li>
<li>Volunteer for medical missions or youth programs held in your community. This is an effective way to give something back to your community. If you have the expertise to teach some <a href="http://www.downloadphotoshopfree.org">Adobe Photoshop free download</a> tutorials, volunteer as a teacher and set aside a free time where you can show them how to use this software and become talented with the use of internet that will later on be a source of their income.</li>
<li>Buy locally made products in you community. Not only you will add extra income to your community’s total earnings but you can also get extra service for availing their products offered in your place like free delivery.</li>
<li>Promote the beautiful tourist spots found in your community. This is one way to attract possible visitors to your place. Cite fun-filled activities that anyone can enjoy in their trips. Additional number of tourists would mean possible extra earnings for your local government that will eventually lead to more money to put on improvements of your community’s services and other infrastructures.</li>
<li>Exercise your vote. This is a good example of a good citizen in your community. When elections are announced, check out for any local candidates belonging to your community or who support any advocacy focused on your community’s progress. Vote wisely for the most suitable and reliable candidate.</li>
</ol>
<p>Doing your part in your community that poses greater opportunities is a good start in helping build a wonderful community that is nice to live in. Now is your chance to prove your worth to your community and make a big difference to everyone’s life.</p>
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		<title>Internet Brings Possibilities to Our Community</title>
		<link>http://www.ngclt.org/uncategorized/internet-brings-possibilities-to-our-community/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ngclt.org/uncategorized/internet-brings-possibilities-to-our-community/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:20:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>dotslash</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gulfport]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ngclt.org/?p=68</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Since Gulfport was established in 1898, the town has come a long way.  It has always been  a successful commercial town, over the years the railroad and latterly the port have brought millions of dollars into the areas and the State of Mississippi in general.   Although the first prosperity to the area was probably [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Since Gulfport was established in 1898, the town has come a long way.  It has always been  a successful commercial town, over the years the railroad and latterly the port have brought millions of dollars into the areas and the State of Mississippi in general.   Although the first prosperity to the area was probably as a port for lumber, Gulfport has never been afraid to branch out into new and exciting business opportunities.</p>
<p>The casinos have helped the Town diversify and bring in tourists to the wonderful scenery and sights of the State.  We have some great events like the Fishing Rodeo, classic car events and even a weekend based on the many speedboats to be found across the  area.</p>
<p>But the economy is struggling just like the rest of the US and indeed the majority of the World. It is a great opportunity to use the power of the internet to bring in new business and visitors.  For instance most companies can benefit from a web presence, there are few exceptions.  Also the days of investing tens of thousands for a reasonable web site are long gone, you can get set up yourself for a few bucks or pay someone a little more to set one up for you.</p>
<p>You can open your market up in a lot of ways, obviously some goods and services are restricted to being sold in the Gulfport area.  However when you start to think you&#8217;ll be surprised to discover that most have possibilities for supply services and goods further afield.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t be afraid of using the internet as a development tool either.  Have a look at what other businesses like yours are doing on the web.  Invest in a cheap <a href="http://www.anonymous-proxies.org/">anonymous surfing</a> tool and you can also bypass internet filters and post ads on regional advertisers like Craigslist.</p>
<p>The people and businesses of Gulfport have always been quick to adapt to different problems and opportunities.  Make sure you use the internet to invest in your business or skills.  There&#8217;s help available in many civic areas and they&#8217;ll also be able to point you to resources and extra assistance if you need it.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ngclt.org/uncategorized/internet-brings-possibilities-to-our-community/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
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		<title>Enjoying a Camping Trip in Gulfport, Mississippi</title>
		<link>http://www.ngclt.org/community/enjoying-a-camping-trip-in-gulfport-mississippi/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ngclt.org/community/enjoying-a-camping-trip-in-gulfport-mississippi/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:48:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>bbbshome</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ngclt.org/?p=65</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gulfport, Mississippi has a great reputation as a tourist destination for people from all over the country as well as from all over the world. There are a number of truly great and luxurious hotels and resorts in the area but what if you are camping kind of family, the kind who prefer cooking over [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gulfport, Mississippi has a great reputation as a tourist destination for people from all over the country as well as from all over the world. There are a number of truly great and luxurious hotels and resorts in the area but what if you are camping kind of family, the kind who prefer cooking over an open <a href="http://www.firepitmart.com/All-Outdoor-Fire-Pits">outdoor fire pit</a> rather than eating out of a hotel room microwave? What does the Gulfport, MS area have to offer you? The answer is far more than you might imagine.</p>
<p>Where you choose to pitch your tent however will depend on how much of a camper you really are. There are those who really love to rough it. They enjoy a campsite that is truly away from it all. No TV, no running water, no bathrooms and the only source of heat coming from the previously mentioned outdoor fire pit. Their idea of an ideal camping trip truly does involve getting away from it all.</p>
<p>For these hardier souls the Gulfport, MS area has a number of formal campsites to offer. The Moody&#8217;s Landing site, which is just five miles from Brooklyn, MS, is such a site. it offers amazing views and an abundance of land but little in the way of other amenities.</p>
<p>But some campers want a few more of the comforts of home available at the campsite that they choose. The idea of living without electricity or a nice hot shower is not at all appealing to them even though sleeping under the stars is.</p>
<p>Fortunately for everyone many of the campsites in the Gulfport, Missisipi area offer the best of both worlds. For example the Gulf Islands National Seashore offers both wilderness camping along the Davis Bayou and campsites further inland that feature all the conveniences of modern life including formal playgrounds, shower rooms and on site restaurants.</p>
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		<title>Entry Level Jobs in Gulfport, Mississippi</title>
		<link>http://www.ngclt.org/community/entry-level-jobs-in-gulfport-mississippi/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ngclt.org/community/entry-level-jobs-in-gulfport-mississippi/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:06:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jericho</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entry level jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gulfport]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ngclt.org/?p=61</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Finding entry level jobs is the usual goal of fresh graduates, as well as those who still have a few credits to earn, but want to make a living. It’s liberating, it can be fun with the right attitude, and it helps polish the skills the person may have, so that they can determine what [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Finding <strong><cite title="Entry Level Jobs; Publication (http://www.findentryleveljobs.org); 1/12/2012"><a href="http://www.findentryleveljobs.org">entry level jobs</a></cite></strong> is the usual goal of fresh graduates, as well as those who still have a few credits to earn, but want to make a living. It’s liberating, it can be fun with the right attitude, and it helps polish the skills the person may have, so that they can determine what they want to do, the things that they’re good at, and the things that need improvement.</p>
<p>In Gulfport, Mississippi, there are plenty of job opportunities. Some of the largest employers in that area are Gulf Coast Laundry Services, Gulfport Memorial Hospital, Page &amp; Jones, and Gulf Coast Laundry Services. Some of the <em><strong>entry level jobs</strong></em> that people are likely to encounter in Gulfport are medical billing and coding specialists, warehouse stock room clerks, customer service representatives, and survey takers. And then there are also higher positions like sales managers, operations managers, and network engineers.</p>
<p>The question is, what does the person want to do and what are his strong and weak points and qualifications? Is he good with people? Is he customer-oriented? Does he have exemplary communication skills? Perhaps he has a way of spotting potential customers and winning them over so he can close a deal. Or is he more comfortable being at the top, where people look to him for answers and the course of action that the team should take. It may sound pretty tedious for entry level jobs, but these people need to prepared if they don’t want to stay in that position forever.</p>
<p>Of course, one should not forget the person’s qualifications. Did he finish school, and up to what level? Has he had much experience in a certain field and does that have any relevance to the position he’s applying for? If this is to be his first job after graduating, perhaps he can at least show some of the things that he has worked on, before the company decides to hire him.</p>
<p>Finding <em>entry level jobs</em> may be easier in some places and a little difficult in others. However, the most important thing is to focus on the essentials. List the credentials, work experiences if any, skills, and the desired position. Interviews ought to be taken seriously, but one needs to remember to relax and to have just the right amount of confidence. The opportunity is there. Seize it!</p>
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		<title>Ensure That Your Water is Safe</title>
		<link>http://www.ngclt.org/community/ensure-that-your-water-is-safe/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ngclt.org/community/ensure-that-your-water-is-safe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:10:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>JessicaR</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ngclt.org/?p=54</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many North Gulfport residents have installed an undersink water filter in their homes in recent years to ensure that their drinking water supply is safe.  With the environmental disasters that have swept the community, many residents are taking extra precautions to make sure their family has access to clean drinking water.  Many North Gulfport residents [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many North Gulfport residents have installed an <a href="http://undersinkwaterfilter101.com/">undersink water filter</a> in their homes in recent years to ensure that their drinking water supply is safe.  With the environmental disasters that have swept the community, many residents are taking extra precautions to make sure their family has access to clean drinking water.  Many North Gulfport residents have also been urging friends and family in other areas to install a water filter in their own homes, regardless of how safe their water supply may appear. Contaminants appear in tap water supplies all across the world, but many people are unaware about the safety issues that these contaminants may cause.</p>
<p>If you are in need of an undersink water filter for your North Gulfport home, your best option is to research several models online and see which one will work best for you.  A brand that many NG residents recommend is Culligan, and appropriate filters range in the $200 to $600 range with occasional upkeep costs (e.g., replacement filters).  Many residents feel that it&#8217;s well worth the cost!</p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ngclt.org/community/ensure-that-your-water-is-safe/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
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		<title>North Gulfport Port Expansion</title>
		<link>http://www.ngclt.org/community/north-gulfport-port-expansion/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ngclt.org/community/north-gulfport-port-expansion/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:02:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>steve</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ngclt.org/?p=42</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The North Gulfport region in Mississippi is famed for its wonderful fishing.  Even with the devastating damage to the areas reputation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill, the region continues to be a fishing industry hotspot. Local officials have proposed expanding the port of Gulfport in order to jumpstart local industry. Local [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The North Gulfport region in Mississippi is famed for its wonderful fishing.  Even with the devastating damage to the areas reputation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill, the region continues to be a fishing industry hotspot.</p>
<p>Local officials have proposed expanding the port of Gulfport in order to jumpstart local industry. Local community leaders are opposing this move, saying the funds that would be used on this expansion would be better spent on reconstructing and repairing communities directly impacted by Katrina.</p>
<p>The economic justification for expanding the port rests on the upcoming expansion of the Panama Canal.  Some argue that a portion of the increase of ship traffic up the East Coast will stop at the newly improved Port of Gulfport, bringing additional economic activity to the area.</p>
<p>Part of the project would be the expansion of the local rail lines to a full six tracks.  These would be needed to transport the Chinese goods unloaded from the ships in Mississippi to the rest of the country.</p>
<p>If this plan was implemented, it does seem likely it would spur economic growth.  Initially it would be the construction jobs to actually perform the expansion of the port and railroads.  Once this was complete there would be ongoing employment for dockhands loading and unloading the huge cargo vessels.</p>
<p>Storage capacity in the area would have to be increased.  Local <a href="http://refrigeratorsizes.us">refrigerator sizes</a> and capacities would have to be increased greatly to handle imported perishables, and not just fish caught in neighboring waters.</p>
<p>All grown in the North Gulfport community comes at a cost however.  Poor neighborhoods in the area would be sliced and diced by the increased amount of rail and truck traffic.  While some would benefit from the additional jobs and others from customers having more to spend at local businesses, there is always a group left out of the benefits of economic growth.</p>
<p>These people would suffer all the downsides and none of the upside.  If the decision is made to go ahead with the expansion, attempts should be made to accommodate these citizens and ensure all share the bounty this project potentially offers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ngclt.org/community/north-gulfport-port-expansion/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
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		<title>Protecting The North Gulfport Community From The Multi National Companies</title>
		<link>http://www.ngclt.org/community/protecting-the-north-gulfport-community-from-the-multi-national-companies/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ngclt.org/community/protecting-the-north-gulfport-community-from-the-multi-national-companies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:11:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jonseven</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ngclt.org/?p=39</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are over two hundred community land trusts in the USA and one of those is the North Gulfport Community Land Trust or NGCLT for short. When Hurricane Katrina devastated the area with flood waters it all but wiped out many family homes of people that were already struggling to make ends meet. This is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are over two hundred community land trusts in the USA and one of those is the North Gulfport Community Land Trust or NGCLT for short. When Hurricane Katrina devastated the area with flood waters it all but wiped out many family homes of people that were already struggling to make ends meet. This is where the community formed the Trust to help protect the local people from land developers coming into the area and help bring life back to the area for residents that were there before the disaster.</p>
<p>Instead of big companies coming in and building food and <a title="designer shoes" href="http://www.my-designershoes.com/">designer shoes</a> stores on the land the idea is for this land to be protected on behalf of the people. Will the NGCLT succeed in doing this? We can only hope, but what we do know is the only way this will happen is through the support of members, sponsorships by small businesses and fund raising activities.</p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.ngclt.org/community/protecting-the-north-gulfport-community-from-the-multi-national-companies/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
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		<title>We Need to Take Action As a Community For Our Mental Health Patients</title>
		<link>http://www.ngclt.org/community/we-need-to-take-action-as-a-community-for-our-mental-health-patients/</link>
		<comments>http://www.ngclt.org/community/we-need-to-take-action-as-a-community-for-our-mental-health-patients/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:04:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>prlablinks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ngclt.org/?p=36</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today I want to discuss something widespread in mental hospitals across the country. Sure, you can find cases of great hospitals, unfortunately there are a lot of .. well ..not so great ones. How you are treated in hospitals depends on the hospital staff. Hospital staff are basically free to ignore the law with little [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today I want to discuss something widespread in mental hospitals across the country. Sure, you can find cases of great hospitals, unfortunately there are a lot of .. well ..not so great ones.</p>
<p>How you are treated in hospitals depends on the hospital staff. Hospital staff are basically free to ignore the law with little fear of meaningful consequences. While in theory your rights are protected by law, in practice you have little protection:</p>
<div>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr valign="top">
<td>1.</td>
<td>In most cases it is your word vs the staff. You are a mental patient, they are licensed professionals, and they write the logs.</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td>2.</td>
<td>The staff is protected by various levels of legal immunity, you have nothing.</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td>3.</td>
<td>The regulatory/accreditation agencies are fairly toothless.<br />
a. Your claims have to fall into their jurisdiction.<br />
b. They have to substantiate your claims with records or witnesses.<br />
c. The proof must be iron clad perfect. The slightest discrepancy voids it.<br />
d. Depending on the agency you may not be informed of any results.<br />
e. Then the agency <span style="text-decoration: underline">may</span> cite the hospital and <span style="text-decoration: underline">request</span> a response.<br />
f. The response is usually to train staff (yet again).<br />
g. If you feel this is insufficient or disagree, tough. You have no recourse.<br />
h. The hospital has its lawyers, medical groups, consultants, and lobbyists. You don&#8217;t.<br />
i. In most cases they keep the investigation secret. You have no idea what happened.</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="top">
<td>4.</td>
<td>The police are unwilling to get involved even when staff violate criminal law. They defer to the &#8220;professionalism&#8221; of the staff. The Fremont police officer who refused to even take a criminal report on staff assault suggested he would take the report &#8220;if the staff used something like a baseball bat&#8221;. He was also reluctant to investigate Fremont Hospital because the staff didn&#8217;t like the police bringing their guns into the hospital.</td>
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<td>5.</td>
<td>Civil litigation is difficult, time consuming, and expensive. Psychiatric medical malpractice is difficult to prove and does not pay the lawyer as well as regular medical malpractice.</td>
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<td>6.</td>
<td>A staff vs patients attitude &#8220;white wall of silence&#8221; to invalidate your claims.</td>
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<td>7.</td>
<td>The hospital will follow &#8220;risk management&#8221; guidelines regarding your issues. Generally this means denying anything happened. It is doubtful you will get any meaningful reform from the hospital itself. In theory and words the hospital protects patients, but in deeds they protect themselves and the staff.</td>
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<p>The only real protection you have against abuse is the morals and professionalism of the staff. If you are lucky, they will treat people with <a href="http://depressiond.org/psychological-disorders/">psychological disorders</a> as patients and human beings. If not, you are viewed as a &#8220;psycho&#8221; to be controlled. While the quality of individual staff members will vary, the hospital culture itself will be your best indicator of how you will be treated. If the hospital has a reputation for requiring their staff to follow the rules, treat patients humanely, and discourages a code of silence (the &#8220;white wall of silence&#8221; or &#8220;white code of silence&#8221;) then you have a good chance of actually being helped. On the other hand if the hospital has a reputation for ignoring problems, allowing mistakes to be covered up, and hiring substandard staff then you will likely be further damaged. In the &#8220;Consumer Info&#8221; section there are some suggestions on how to tell the difference, and some suggestions on what to do to protect yourself.</p>
<p>Another issue is how acute mental hospitals operate today; in these HMO driven times they are very cost conscious. The insurance company wants you out as soon as possible and this means medications. The days of talking to a therapist are over. Today you will be examined, drugged, observed, then turned loose with an absolute minimum of contact with the staff. Staff costs money, so only the absolute minimum required are on duty. This means that there are few resources available for you to just sit down and talk with someone. The staff on the ward with you are the lowest paid and least trained. Therapists are not usually available outside set group therapy.</p>
<p>If you start to &#8220;decompensate&#8221;, the staff will do little other than to demand you change your behavior and take more meds. If you decompensate enough to cause trouble then they will get physical, and since there are few staff on duty, this threshold is very low. The staff cannot afford to have you set off the other patients, so they react very quickly to any disturbance. At this point you will be forced to take sedatives and/or anti-psychotics and possibly secluded or restrained as well. Thus an easily preventable problem escalates into a life (yours) threatening situation. Patients die in restraint. While the hospital will give lip service to &#8220;de-escalation&#8221; procedures, it is quicker and cheaper to just drag you into a room strap you to a bed and shoot you full of drugs.</p>
<p>The &#8220;white wall/code of silence&#8221; has two aspects. The tracking and disciplinary systems are run by medical professionals for medical professionals. The information is kept from the public by law. If the watch dogs tend to turn a blind eye towards misdeeds, the public is none the wiser. This allows serial killers to masquerade as angels of mercy who freely move from one hospital to another. Secondly staff supports staff. If one staff witnesses a misdeed, they won&#8217;t blow the whistle. They don&#8217;t want to alienate their co-workers.</p>
<p><span style="color: #800000"><strong>What We Want:</strong></span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px">1. Recension of the 5150, mitigation of its civil rights impact.<br />
2. Correction of the hospital log to reflect what really happened.<br />
3. Meaningful and verifiable changes to ensure future patient safety and rights.</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;I want to see a mighty flood of justice, a river of righteous living that will never run dry&#8221;</p></blockquote>
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