Alaska Mental Health Enabling Act

The Alaska Mental Health Enabling Act: A Controversial Legislation

Imagine a piece of legislation that could change the course of mental health care in an entire territory, only to become embroiled in political controversy and conspiracy theories. That’s exactly what happened with the Alaska Mental Health Enabling Act of 1956. This act was supposed to bring much-needed improvements to mental health services in Alaska but instead became a battleground for ideological battles.

The Birth of an Idea

Was this bill just another attempt by the government to control its citizens, or did it genuinely aim to improve their well-being? The Alaska Mental Health Bill was introduced by Representative Edith Green in 1956 with the noble goal of establishing a mental health care system for Alaska. It was sponsored by the Democratic Party and later championed by Republican Senator Barry Goldwater. The bill promised modernization, funding, and facilities to address the lack of mental health treatment options in the territory.

A Political Storm

However, the bill quickly became a lightning rod for controversy. Opponents, particularly an anti-communist women’s group called the American Public Relations Forum (APRF), dubbed it the ‘Siberia Bill’ and accused it of being part of a communist plot to brainwash Americans. They feared that this legislation would lead to concentration camps disguised as mental health facilities, much like those in Siberia.

The Media Hype

These fears were amplified by media coverage. The Santa Ana Register ran an article under the headline ‘Now — Siberia, U.S.A.’ This sensationalism spread fear and misinformation across the nation, leading to a nationwide campaign against the bill.

The Senate’s Role

How did the Senate handle this controversial piece of legislation? The Senate Subcommittee on Territories and Insular Affairs held hearings in February and March 1956. Senator Barry Goldwater proposed an amended version that removed commitment procedures, ensuring that Alaska would not receive any mentally ill patients from other states.

The Final Vote

The amended bill passed unanimously in the Senate. It established a land grant to support Alaskan mental health care and created the Alaska Mental Health Trust. However, over time, this trust was stripped of its lands and assets, leading to legal battles that lasted for years.

Legal Battles and Reconstitution

What happened after the initial passage of the bill? The Alaska Supreme Court ruled in 1985 that the abolition of the trust had been illegal. This led to a long negotiation process, eventually reconstituting the trust with 500,000 acres of original land and $200 million in replacement funds.

The Role of Scientology

Interestingly, the Church of Scientology played a significant role in opposing this bill. They claimed that it was an attempt to replicate Russia’s plan for a ‘Siberia’ mental patient facility. This opposition led to the infamous slogan ‘Siberia, USA,’ which became a rallying cry against psychiatry.

Conclusion

The Alaska Mental Health Enabling Act of 1956 was a complex piece of legislation that aimed to improve mental health care but instead sparked intense political and ideological debates. It serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing public health needs with individual freedoms, and how even well-intentioned policies can become embroiled in controversy.