The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its traveling exhibit on June 23, 2026, at the Mini Social event space in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. The exhibit features graphic panels and documentaries that expose what CCHR describes as a long history of false science and abusive practices in the psychiatric industry.
Jimmy Alauria, a local businessman, served as master of ceremonies and introduced CCHR's mission to highlight human rights issues in mental health. Special guest speaker Judy Renfro, a member of JustServe—a global volunteerism movement of the LDS Church—shared her experiences helping community members cope with addiction. She recounted tragic stories of individuals who lost everything to drugs and emphasized the responsibility of medical professionals when prescribing medications that can alter behavior or create dependency.
Following the ribbon cutting, attendees toured the exhibits, which include documentaries available on the CCHR website and the film "Psychiatry: An Industry of Death" on the Scientology Network. Visitors expressed surprise at the history of psychiatry and the extent of abuses documented, with many finding the information hard to believe until seeing the evidence firsthand.
The exhibit is part of a tour through major cities in the Western United States, warning parents and community members that psychiatric treatments can lead to serious harm. CCHR notes that there are 14 identical traveling exhibits in countries around the world, all aimed at exposing abuses and promoting reform.
CCHR was co-founded in 1969 by professor of psychiatry Dr. Thomas Szasz and the Church of Scientology. Its commissioners include physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, lawyers, legislators, and civil rights representatives. The organization is inspired by L. Ron Hubbard's commitment to abolishing physically damaging practices in mental health.
The Scottsdale event drew significant interest from the public, with many visitors expressing fascination and concern after viewing the displays. The exhibit has since moved to its next destination city as part of a broader U.S. tour.
For more information, visit the CCHR website or watch documentaries on the work of CCHR volunteers worldwide.
