Griffin Memorial Hospital Transforms Hall Into Mental Health Museum Tour

The public can get a look inside a building nearly 100 years old on the Griffin Memorial Hospital campus this weekend. Officials transformed the first floor of Hope Hall into a makeshift museum designed to dispel myths and talk about the truth of mental health treatment.

“There’s really nothing spooky about this building. We’d like people to come in and we’d like to talk about it,” said Director of Communications Jeff Dismukes.

It’s filled with antique medical equipment, historic documents and even proposed blueprint plans for the future of the property.

Each person taking the guided experience is walked through as a patient, receiving a set of common symptoms. And along the way, they’ll learn how those symptoms were diagnosed decades ago and how they were treated.

Officials hope to create a discussion about mental health among visitors as well.

“We need to start talking about that more, opening our doors, opening minds to help reduce the stigma,” said Griffin Memorial Hospital Executive Director Lori Jordan.

The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.