Hawthorn Center Whistleblower Faces Mistreatment after Exposing Harsh Conditions

Hawthorn Center Whistleblower Faces Mistreatment after Exposing Harsh Conditions

In Northville Township, Michigan, a lady who revealed the critical circumstances within a public health facility has stated that she is being subjected to a hostile work environment after her revelations. The woman, Christal Bonner, previously worked as a Special Education Teacher at the state’s only child psychiatric hospital, the Hawthorn Center in Northville Township.

Bonner notified the local media about her concerns regarding the inhuman conditions students were subjected to at the Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital in Westland, where Hawthorn Center’s patients were moved in June of 2023. She explained how the hospital felt more like a correctional facility than a healthcare institution, with children being prevented from getting fresh air and sunlight for months.

According to Bonner, conditions at her workplace deteriorated rapidly as management began to scrutinize her work conduct excessively. She quit her job a few weeks ago, mainly due to this unfavorable working environment. Bonner experienced a string of evaluations, investigations, and sanctions related to her performance after she voiced her concerns to the media. Despite being regarded as high-performing in her previous performance evaluations, the tide turned against her after her courageous act. The constant negativity forced Bonner’s hand to quit the job she had been dedicated to for eight years.

Other insiders from the Hawthorn Center have also come forward with the conditions inside the hospital, expressing their raw concerns to the Office of the State Senator Michael Webber who has been pushing for state hearings into the mistreatment issue reported by multiple whistleblowers. Senator Webber is worried about whistleblowers being discouraged from presenting testimonies due to fear of retaliation.

Senator Webber’s concerns aren’t just about retaliatory measures against whistleblowers but also include a failing system designed to protect the patients, especially the children. He has stated that the Office of Recipient Rights, where complaints can be filed, is not being swift in handling the complaints lodged.

In response to these issues, The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a statement, emphasizing their commitment to employees and residents alike. They stated their mission to promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents and to ensure a workplace where every employee is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. They also assured that they firmly prohibit retaliation and strive to provide a gratifying career experience for their employees.