Who to Contact

There is a Human Rights Advocate assigned to SWVMHI by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to assist patients with resolving service-related complaints. Ideally complaints will be resolved at the lowest possible level within the hospital management structure, but if necessary the Human Rights Advocate is able to represent patients’ rights issues through a more formal review process.

Human Rights related inquiries may be addressed to:

Mykala Sauls

Human Rights Advocate

(276) 706-3543

mykala.sauls@dbhds.virginia.gov

Other Information

It is the policy of SWVMHI that, except as otherwise provided by state and federal law, no person shall be denied legal rights, privileges, or benefits solely by virtue of being voluntarily admitted or certified or involuntarily committed to a hospital. SWVMHI is committed to upholding the human rights principles in the Rules and Regulations to Assure the Rights of Individuals Receiving Services From Providers of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.