Off the Chart Blog
Counter-narratives on sanism and systemic harmOur blog allows for breathing room—more space than our newsletter allows—to unpack complex issues, uplift impacted voices, and expose systemic harm. From organizational statements and vital resources to deeper community reflections, Off The Chart offers a space to keep our community informed, connected, and equipped to drive real change.
A Message from the Board of Directors: DMH Termination of MFA Grant
On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the Department of Mental Health terminated our grant, with no notice,...
Family Statement: Ten Things All Vermonters Should Know About the Killing of Scott Garvey
My brother Scott Garvey was killed by Vermont State Police in Putney on July 7, 2025, during a mental health crisis. He was 55 years old. He had moved to Vermont less than a week earlier because our family believed he would be safer here near to my sister, a lifelong Vermont teacher. He was physically disabled, unarmed, in crisis, and alone inside his own home.
Here are ten things we think Vermonters should know about Scott’s killing.
Capturing the Magic: A Look Back at our Mad Takeover
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Four Quarters Brewing for our recent Mad Takeover event! We are still in awe of the incredible talents shared, and we are deeply honored to be in community with all of you.
The night was energizing, electric, and inspiring. A massive, heartfelt thank you goes out to Gabrielle Martin for being such an incredible MC and guiding the evening with so much warmth, grace, and energy.
MadFreedom Advocates Newsletters
Learn more about what MadFreedom Advocates is up to! Check out our previous newsletters for event highlights, legislative updates, POP Grant application cycles, Monday drop-in details, and more.
The Battle for LGBTQIA+ Lives: Conversion Therapy, SCOTUS, and the Fight to Exist
On May 7th, 2026, the Colorado General Assembly passed HB26-1322 to protect youth from conversion therapy. The bill allows survivors to sue mental health professionals for damages caused by these practices, while entirely removing the statute of limitations so that claims can be filed at any time (Colo. H.B. 26-1322, 2026).
This victory was a direct reaction to a devastating blow from the Supreme Court. Just weeks earlier, on March 31st, SCOTUS ruled 8-1 in Chiles v. Salazar (2026), deciding that traditional conversion therapy bans unconstitutionally restrict clinicians’ “free speech.”
Statement from MadFreedom Advocates on the Killing of Scott Garvey
MadFreedom Advocates grieves the killing of Scott Garvey, a 55-year-old unarmed man experiencing an apparent mental health crisis, who was shot and killed in his own home by Vermont State Police on July 7, 2025.