KCETs Award-Winning Weekly Series SOCAL CONNECTED Examines the Overuse of Antipsychotic Drugs as Chemical Restraints on the Elderly in Nursing Homes

KCETs Award-Winning Weekly Series SOCAL CONNECTED Examines the Overuse of Antipsychotic Drugs as

Chemical Restraints on the Elderly in Nursing Homes

BURBANK, CA - Sept. 25, 2014 - SOCAL CONNECTED, KCETs Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series looks at the unauthorized and illegal use of powerful antipsychotic drugs on some elderly residents in nursing homes. SOCAL CONNECTEDs anchor Val Zavala tells the story of Aleah Davis, who says she was given the antipsychotic Haldol without her consent to keep her docile. Davis, recovering from a fall at Country Villa nursing home in Seal Beach, says she was administered drugs causing confusion and hallucinations. Her story lends insight into the larger problem in nursing homes of the misuse of antipsychotics as a chemical restraint for the elderly. Though the FDA has warned of an increased risk of death with the use of these drugs on dementia patients, studies show that more than 16 percent of all residents in California nursing homes receive antipsychotics. The story will air on Wednesday, October 1, 2014.

This weeks SOCAL CONNECTED also features:

Volunteer Cops - They look the same, dress the same, get the same training and carry the same badge, but theyre not full-time cops. And theyre not even paid. They are volunteers with the Los Angeles Police Departments Reserve Corps. Reporter Brian Rooney walks the beat one night in downtown L.A. to see just what these volunteer officers encounter.

So You Think You Can Herd - City life for a border collie or a sheepdog can be downright stifling, especially when their instincts are to herd sheep or cattle. Reporter Nick Hardcastle, however, discovered a sheepherding heaven in the Antelope Valley in Acton that is perfect for Maggie. How will this pampered Hollywood pooch react when she sees sheep in an arena for the first time?

Brown is the New Green - The drought has made dried out lawns not only necessary, but some would say politically correct. Now theres a way to save water and have a green lawn at the same time. Reporter Conor Knighton goes along with some lawn painters to see how this growing business works. This segment is based on a story from KCET.orgs Home & Garden section.

Broadcast Premiere Date: Wednesday, October 1 at 8 p.m.

Repeated: Friday, October 3 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m.

SOCAL CONNECTED is anchored by 16-time Emmy -Award winner, Val Zavala. Contributors include science journalist Cara Santa Maria, reporters Derrick Shore, Jennifer Sabih, Conor Knighton, documentary filmmaker Nic Cha Kim and writer Nick Hardcastle.

The television broadcast executive producer for SOCAL CONNECTED is Val Zavala; digital executive producer is Zach Behrens; and Linda Burns is senior producer.

ABOUT SOCAL CONNECTED

SOCAL CONNECTED, winner of a Peabody and two duPont Awards, 23 Emmy Awards, 24 Golden Mikes, 48 LA Press Club Awards, two Gracie Awards, and four regional and one national Edward R. Murrow Awards, including Best News Documentary and Los Angeles Magazines Best New Local TV Program of 2009, airs exclusively on KCET. For more information, to view episodes online or to leave comments, please visit www.socalconnected.org. SOCAL CONNECTED is made possible through the generous support of The Ahmanson Foundation, Chapman University and the MaddocksBrown Foundation.

ABOUT KCET

On-air, online and in the community, KCET plays a vital role in the cultural and educational enrichment of Southern and Central California. KCET offers a wide range of award-winning local programming as well as the finest public television programs from around the world. Throughout its 50-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and documentary productions, its quality educational family and childrens programs, its outreach and community services and its website, kcet.org. KCET is a donor-supported community institution. For additional information about KCET productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org. KCET is a service of KCETLink.

###

LINK:	http://www.kcet.org/about/pressroom/kcet-press-releases/kcets-award-wi...
	See more stories from kcet

Most recent headlines