A black girl will be spending years in jail because she had a mental health crisis. PLEASE READ
Meet Saraya: she was experiencing a mental health crisis. Police came and tackled her. She is 15.
Saraya Rees is a 15 year old biracial girl from Coos County, Oregon. After being abruptly instructed to stop taking her antidepressants by a local pediatrician, Saraya went into psychosis. In her manic state, Saraya poured a small amount of gasoline on the floor. Her parents called Coos Health & Wellness in hope that that would send mental health advisors, Coos Health & Wellness sent the police. While still in psychosis, the officers arrested her, questioned her without her family or lawyers present, charged with attempted murder and assault, and sent her to juvenile prison for 11 years.
ELEVEN.YEARS.
This is not justice.
This is inhumane.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:
1. Call these people and demand that she be let go to the custody in her parents.
Please call Governor Kate Brown and Senator Jeff Merkely.
📞Governor Kate Brown: (503) 378-4582
📞Senator Jeff Merkley: (503) 326-3386
2. Sign the petition!
http://chng.it/dPR59dnMzq
Please DO NOT donate to CHANGE.ORG, instead donate to Saraya’s gofundme.
3. Follow @justice4saraya on instagram. You can find info on where to send her encouragement cards and get updated on progress.
4. SEND CARDS TO THE FOLLOWING (please also note card sending rules)
OAK CREEK CORRECTIONAL FACIILITY
C/O SARAYA REES
4400 LOCHNER ROAD SE
ALBANY, OR 97332
EDIT: PLEASE CONSIDER THESE RULES WHEN SENDING HER CARDS! The family has asked for the following when sending cards:
-No vulgar language or cursing (she’s a child, afterall)
-No stickers
-No metal
- Do not use return address stickers
-No Cash
Using these things could mean Saraya doesn’t get your card. If you want to donate to the family during this very hard time, please use the GOFUND ME.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice4saraya
You can also send her gifts for when she gets out to a PO BOX:
SARAYA’S PO BOX
PO BOX 211
MYRTLE POINT, OR 97458
MENTAL ILLNESS IS NOT A CRIME. LET’S FREE OUR GIRL SARAYA!!!
Saraya’s website: https://www.justice4saraya.com/