Hi Julie
I have been having the same problem obtaining my mother's medical records at Institute of Feeble Minded at Columbus OH. I learned she was there from 1930-1936 where the lady who was in charge of Staff cafeteria helped her escape. Mom was sent there by her father who did not want to be responsible for her (and she was working at the time).
Anyway, I contacted the Columbus OH Historical Society (they are in charge of the records) which asked me to prove my relationship which I did. Then I was told the records were destroyed. I asked for the paperwork which would show me how, when, where, and what was destroyed. They could not provide that.
I had that same day an appointment with a staff member of the Institute. She stated she tried to locate my mother's records, could not locate. Meantime while talking with another employee, I discovered a building on the old grounds had ALL the records which I immediately went to that staff member and she was quite upset with me but physically walked with me to that building. When my daughter saw my mother's name on a folder, that staff member yanked the folder out of her hand, and DEMANDED us to leave.
Now they are telling me my mother's records are MISSING.
I have written a book about all this----I CAN FORGIVE, CANNOT FORGET. by Mary Bingamon Haller.
I have hired several attorneys trying to obtain these records (for medical information) without no luck. I now wished I obtain that file folder in not such a legal way. It is so upsetting because, everyone who works in such a office can read my mother's records; however, I her only child, cannot. What has ever happen to COMMON SENSE?
Please keep me in mind if you discover that loop hole we need.
I agree with you------- why are they punishing us for what the STATE did to our family member. My mother was sent there when she was 16 yrs old 1930 and she kept that secret to herself (not even my father knew) for well over 60 years. She told me this two days before she died. I asked her why did you not tell me? "I was so ashamed".