Just when you think the story is over, another chapter unfolds. Mia St. John, the former world boxing champion turned mental health advocate, is back in the spotlight. However, the title of ‘boxing champion’ has long been superseded by a more personal and painful narrative. A tragic loss which transpired years ago within the sterile walls of a mental health facility has put a lasting dent in the seemingly impervious persona of the professional athlete.
The name of the facility, Telecare Corporation, has since been inked with significant stigma. A courtroom battle ended in favor of the grieving mother. It marked a victory for all those affected by systemic failures in mental health care. Yet, the echoes of that victory seem to fade as Mia prepares to throw another punch.
Exposing the neglect: Mia St. John & her heartfelt cry for reform
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In a recent development, Mia St. John took to Twitter. She opened a new front in her ongoing battle against the mental health facilities that she holds responsible for the death of her son, Julian. Her tweet, ringing with a sense of deep-seated injustice, read:
“Please RT for #mentalhealth reform 🙏🏼 The corporation @TelecareCorp that is funded by LA County @LACDMH covered up the neglect of my & @kristoffstjohn1 ’s son. They lost in court. They neglected our son & tried to cover it up. Expose these multi-million $ facilities!”
Please RT for #mentalhealth reform 🙏🏼 The corporation @TelecareCorp that is funded by LA County @LACDMH covered up the neglect of my & @kristoffstjohn1’s son. They lost in court. They neglected our son & tried to cover it up. Expose theses multi million $ facilities! pic.twitter.com/bzlmsgJEiO
— Mia St. John (@MiaStJohnBoxer) July 6, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Telecare Corporation, an LA County-funded organization, had been previously accused and found guilty of neglecting Julian during his time in their care. This caused his tragic suicide. St. John’s family won a lawsuit against the corporation in 2015, shedding light on the negligence and failures within such facilities. Now, Mia St. John seems to be broadening her sights. She has called for widespread reform in the mental health system and the exposure of other such multi-million dollar establishments.
As the public eye turns once again to the state of mental health facilities, there is a broader question that looms: Are we, as a society, doing enough to ensure the safety and care of the most vulnerable among us? Mia St. John has taken a tragic personal loss and transformed it into a beacon of hope and reform. Her fight continues, years after her victory in court. This echoes the need for a systemic transformation that truly prioritizes patient care over profit.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It is up to us, the readers and the public, to continue this conversation. To retweet, to share, to expose any and all instances of neglect and mistreatment in such facilities. Because it is only through our collective voices that we can hope for true change. What steps will you take in the wake of St. John’s call to action? How can you contribute to the change she is championing? The ball, as they say, is in our court.
Watch This Story: Is boxing being removed from olympics?
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.