Alan Judd and Andy Miller of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that at least 115 patients had died under suspicious circumstances in Georgia’s mental hospitals from 2002 to 2006, and that more than 190 patients over that time were victims of employee abuse. They also report that state investigations into deaths in the hospitals are conducted by the same agency that runs the facilities. The state often absolves its employees of responsibility even before crucial information, such as autopsy findings, is available. In addition, the hospitals have failed to correct persistent problems, resulting in additional patient deaths.
Judges’ Comments: The two reporters take a hard look at Georgia’s mental hospitals, where some of the state’s most vulnerable residents are dying from causes that are wholly preventable. They burrowed deep into public records the family stories to share the tragedies of those who died. Their work prompted an inquiry by the U.S. Justice Department and the appointment of a special gubernatorial commission.