Dorothea Dox

-Bostonian woman who began teaching Sunday School at a jail.

-She was appalled of the conditions the ill were living in upon her visit.

-She aimed to improve the treatment of the mentally ill:

-Building asylums which were more like hospitals to the people than jails.

-Convinced the MA Boards to help her improve the treatment of the mentally ill.

Amazing video

(https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2aOGuKzd0fw)

"I come as the advocate of helpless, forgotten, insane and idiotic men and women," she said. "I proceed, gentlemen, briefly call to call your attention to the present state of insane persons, confined...in cages, closets, cellars, stalls and pens! Chained, naked, beaten with rods, and lashed into obedience!" -Dox

Shocked by her report, lawmakers voted to create public asylums for the mentally ill.