Kaiser Strikers Enter Pasadena HQ Amid Ongoing Mental Health Issues

Protest at Kaiser’s Pasadena Headquarters Amid Mental Health Service Criticisms

A group of approximately 125 individuals, including patients, elected officials, and community supporters, gathered at Kaiser’s regional headquarters in Pasadena to protest ongoing issues with the organization's mental health services. The demonstrators, who were part of a coordinated strike, sought to bring attention to unresolved deficiencies highlighted by a recent state investigation.

Despite the main entrance being locked, a subset of protesters managed to enter the building through an unlocked backdoor. These individuals, trained in civil disobedience, bypassed security to request a meeting with Kaiser executive Michelle Gaskill-Hames. Though she did not appear, an HR representative eventually met with the group after a protester made an announcement via intercom, humorously stating, “I’m here to deliver lunch. I have an order of social justice.” The group dispersed upon the arrival of police.

Outside, the atmosphere was charged as protestors chanted for Gaskill-Hames to come down and address them. The event drew significant media attention, with reporters from KTLA, ABC-7, KNX News Radio, KPCC/The LAist, and Pasadena Now covering the demonstration.

Unresolved Mental Health Service Violations

Earlier in the week, the California Department of Managed Health Care published an 88-page report criticizing Kaiser for not adequately addressing 19 out of 20 violations identified in a 2022 survey. This failure was part of the backdrop to the current protest and the ongoing strike, which is reportedly the longest mental health strike in California's history.

The unaddressed violations, which contributed to Kaiser’s $200 million Settlement Agreement in 2023, include delays in offering appointments for mental health or substance use disorders and inadequate rescheduling protocols. Additionally, urgent care for mental health issues was noted as not being provided within the mandated 48 hours.

Specific cases from Southern California were highlighted, with one patient waiting 13 business days for an intake assessment and another enduring a 78-business-day wait for an appointment following a request due to severe anxiety and panic symptoms. The report, which can be read in full here, underscores the systemic issues in Kaiser’s mental health services.

The findings have prompted responses from various stakeholders, and the report will be shared with elected officials and community partners in the coming days.

Visuals from the Protest

The protest was visually documented, with images available on the NUHW’s social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

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