"Finally. The cemetery at Northern Nevada Mental Health Institute was dedicated today after a bill we passed last session. What a sad story of loved ones who were never properly buried upon their death. After three long years of work by Carolyn Mirich and the Friends of the Cemetery, let there be peace."
Christina Davis, 1/26/11 Office of Governor Brian Sandoval
"It was an honor to be able to attend such an important event. I learned so much about the cemetery and have since visited the website to learn even more. Very fascinating!"
Robert W. Graffio, J.C.L., Canonist Archdiocese of San Francisco, 1/24/11
"Congratulations on your success in getting this done. I'm happy to see that those buried in the ground there have been given fitting acknowledgement of their lives and a secure place for their remains. Now they won't be anonymous, and those who visit will know whose souls to pray for. May they rest in peace, in heaven."
Kevin Christensen, 1/22/11
Former Ombudsman at the N.M.H.I.
" I went out this morning and viewed the fine Memorial edifice with all the names. I had seen many of them years ago in the old ledgers of the hospital but when I was confronted with them on the plaques, I was deeply moved. So many, many unfortunate souls lost to the ages of time. The Memorial edifice is indeed testimony to the tragedy of being cast away and forgotten, however you have indeed made a difference. It is something I had hoped for long ago and well remember the sadness and pain of some relatives who came in search of their loved ones. All I had to show them was a terrible plot of land, covered with weeds and surrounded by a rickety barb wire fence. To some extent I am bitter, bitter that those who responsible years ago in some way can't be held accountable for such a miserable situation. I know from reading many of the documents that you produced and other writings that I came across over the years that some awful things happened there to people who had no way to object, defend themselves or seek justice. The practice of "medicine and psychiatry" hopefully has come a long way from the days when people were subject to the horrors of experimental treatment that was outright cruelty, barbaric and sadistic."
Ronald M. James, 2/3/11 State Historic Preservation Officer
"The Friends of Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services Cemetery has done a wonderful service to all Nevadans by spearheading the effort to raise this cemetery up to a level of respect and integrity. We can look at the elegant presentation of names of those who found final rest in this cemetery as beginning a new chapter. It is now possible to look forward to the restoration of dignity as we memorialize people who deserved far better in life."
This site is created by Friends, which is not affiliated with the Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services.