Aloha Nonprofits and Charities

If this is the same Rescue they shouldn’t be in business. Samantha M, President is forbidden by law enforcement to have animals. Her mother and two associates are also under law enforcement watch. They can’t have a nonprofit organization. Samantha is to stand trial in Federal court for animal abuse. One associate has already gone to prison.

HIPPA VIOLATIONS, MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE, AND LGBTQ DISCRIMINATION<br>Sequoia Behavioral Health<br><br>Although this is was all voluntary for me to check in, once I arrived all my freedom and free will was taken. My personal belongings including my electronics and wallet were immediately taken and I was unable to leave the property.<br>Staff members personal cell phones are used to discuss personal, psychiatric, and medical information. Information that is protected under law is no longer safe as that information could be seen and sent to anyone.<br>Appointments with medical and psychiatric doctors are held online and are overheard by other clients and staff.<br>Conversation between staff regarding protected medical information is also often over heard by clients. There is absolutely no privacy.<br>Videos and photos of myself and other clients were shared on staff personal cell phones without my knowledge or consent.<br>There is absolutely no privacy when you are able to contact loved ones, medical providers, or legal representatives, as a member of staff listens to your conversations.<br><br>Rules, policies, and procedures that were posted were changed when I pointed out several of the laws and policies that staff was not adhering to.<br>The schedule that was posted was not followed, then changed when I asked about not being able to attend scheduled meetings, groups, and activities.<br><br>There is no access to phone "privileges". There is a black out period when you initially check in, phone times then scheduled from 4pm to 730pm 3 times a week unless in groups or other "activities", and if there is a member of staff available to listen to the conversation. Often times "phone time" was denied.<br>I had requested to call doctors office to cancel upcoming appointments and was denied for 3 days.<br>Was denied access to check email and make calls in regards to FMLA and legal matters.<br>I have also had extreme stomach issues since arriving at Sequoia and taking all prescribed medications. I had requested to contact a doctor several times a day for 4 days before access was given.<br>Medication management is neglected. I was not given antibiotics and other medications as prescribed on multiple occasions.<br>There is no holistic approach to treat clients as advertised. Was prescribed at 7 new medications during my stay there. Refusing medications was considered to be a "punishable offense".<br>There is very limited "treatment" is actually offered. This included group therapy for several hours a day and one individual therapy session per week. I was able to attend one AA meeting in a 3 week period and one hike during that time considered to be recreational therapy. The treatment services are completely misrepresented on their website.<br>My insurance was fraudulently billed for treatment I never received.<br>A copy of medical records, all signed documents during my stay, and itemized billing information was requested. That request was denied and was never sent to me.<br>I was was also called a "dick" by a behavioral health technician and disrespected on multiple occasions by several staff members. I over heard staff talking badly about myself and other clients on several occasions.<br>Other clients can also attest to witnessing me being treated differently, singled out, and targeted due to lgbtq discrimination.<br>There is also a "24 hour hold on all personal belongings". So although this was a place I went to on my own free will and checked in voluntarily, I was not given permission to call anyone for a ride home and was told if I wanted to leave, I could walk home without my wallet, cell phone, or any other personal property. I was told this at 1030pm, in 40 degree, rainy weather by the "director of operations".

I first learned about Virginia Garcia about three years ago. After learning about what they do - provide health care to those who need it most - I was glad to make a donation. I've had the opportunity since to visit a clinic, meet their providers, and learn more about the thousands of people who rely on Virginia Garcia for health care. I've made several donations since, the last a week ago, and I am glad to have the opportunity to donate to such a worthy cause.

My Brother David is one of the earliest residents at Edwards center. As far as I know, the only one who came in as a physical injury patient. David was in an accident in 1972, that was supposed to have claimed his life. When he survived and actually came out of the coma, the doctors were in denial. They said that there was just too much brain mass destroyed in the accident. They gave us instructions on how to take care of David, and sent him home. With the direct and explicit knowledge that he would not survive the year. I was young then, and I do not fully recall how Edwards came into the picture. I think it was through the news paper articles and the church. Anyways, they came and talked to my parents. " A new and evolutionary" plan. A home with 24 hour care, Dr's on staff and on call. Dave not only survived the year, he has survived almost 40 years. He has had a life. he has had Jobs. A job people, Dave loved working. I can not express enough the amount of respect and devotion I can give these people. They gave me my brother.