Editor,

We appreciate The South Whidbey Record publicizing the Mental Health Committee’s work to support people with mental illness and their families.

Christmas for Western State — featured in your Nov. 15 issue — is one of our activities that spreads some cheer where cheer is hard to come by.

Praying for a breakthrough in treating and understanding mental illness is how we began. The first project was a symposium at Trinity Lutheran Church in 2016. Instead of the handful of attendees we anticipated, more than 60 people came. We realized then that few families are untouched by mental illness.

There are many problems including victims of mental illness easily accessing guns, the rise in teen suicide, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, post-traumatic stress, eating disorders, major depression, addiction and more.

NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a fine organization that offers proven programs and direct assistance. Many sufferers are not even aware of NAMI’s existence. Our committee is working to change that.

We do not have all the answers. The more people who get involved, the better chances are for making a difference. The committee meets monthly at St. Hubert Catholic Church in Langley. Information is available from St. Hubert’s office, Trinity Lutheran’s office and Langley Methodist church office. We welcome everyone who has a heart for this cause.

Thank you, Justin Burnett, for your help. We wish you well. You have a record of excellent work for The Record, and you will be missed.

Norma Hansson

Mental Health Committee

Freeland