Who was Dorothea Dix known for advocating for during her reform efforts?

Dorothea Dix is renowned for her tireless advocacy for the rights and humane treatment of the mentally ill and prisoners. In the mid-19th century, Dix conducted extensive investigations and provided detailed reports on the inhumane conditions within asylums and prisons. Her dedication to reform led to significant changes in the way society approached mental health care, highlighting the need for proper facilities, staff training, and compassionate treatment for individuals with mental illnesses. Her efforts contributed to the establishment of more humane mental institutions and changes in mental health policies across the United States. This focus on the mentally ill and the conditions within prisons set her apart as a pivotal figure in the reform movements of her time.