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Re: “Mental health needs go beyond what $1 billion will do for King County” [Sept. 10, Opinion]:
The final line of the editorial — “Time for all arms on deck to assist those that usually can’t assist themselves” — ignores the large progress made by the peer help motion. Over no less than the final 5 a long time — a conservative estimate — friends (people who find themselves in lively restoration from psychological well being situations and/or substance use issues) have labored tirelessly to stand up from dependence to empowerment.
We’ve organized self-help and advocacy teams, resulting in the creation of statewide and nationwide coalitions; developed and carried out quite a few peer-run packages, resembling avenue outreach, disaster respite, employment and housing packages; served on psychological well being boards and committees; and met with native, state and federal legislators, and testified earlier than legislative committees to symbolize our views.
But, on this editorial, we’re wrongfully characterised as usually unable to assist ourselves.
The state’s behavioral well being care system has a workers of 1000’s of friends who work for companies and assist folks with psychological sickness and substance use. In actual fact, friends are on deck to resolve among the most vexing points in our system. We’re serving to one another and making a path for wellness.
Please don’t promote us brief.
Nancy Dow and Laura Van Tosh, Seattle
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