Friends and neighbors,
We know that better mental health care is essential to give all of our children and youth a chance to succeed in school and in life.
In this e-newsletter, I’d like to share available resources, give updates on funding in the state budget, and announce a new Youth Advisory Roundtable that I’m starting this year.
Community mental health resources
Our community has shown an incredible amount of resilience over the last 18 months as we’ve dealt with the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, the pandemic has highlighted the need for improving mental and behavioral health support in rural communities and our state.
It’s important that we check in and take care of ourselves, our loved ones, and community members in these challenging times.
Here are some free resources recommended by local health experts if you or someone that you know needs some support:
- If you are experiencing stress due to COVID-19, and would like to talk to someone, call Washington Listens for support from a trained specialist who can listen and help guide you to connections in your community – 1-833-681-0211
- The Crisis Text Line provides confidential and secure text access from anywhere in the U.S. to a trained crisis counselor. Text HOME to 741741.
- Teen Link offers confidential support from trained volunteers to teens about any issue, no matter how big or small, in English and Spanish. Call or text 866-833-6546
- National Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
For additional resources—including specialized resources for families, children and teens, Tribal communities, service members/veterans, LGBTQ+, healthcare works, and other groups—please visit the Washington State Coronavirus Response page.
Securing critical resources for our community
Even before the pandemic, we knew many young people needed better access to quality and accessible mental help support. After listening to your concerns throughout 2020, mental and behavioral health was one of my top priorities entering the 2021 legislative session.
I worked closely with my colleagues throughout the session to develop local programs aimed at reducing learning loss and improving access to mental health services for young people.
I’m proud to have secured a $750,000 budget proviso to improve mental health outcomes for young people in our community.
My hope is that this pilot project will be replicated in other rural communities across our region and state.
Calling all young people! Join our Youth Advisory Roundtable
To plan the implementation of this budget proviso, my office has been working closely with local health experts, county officials, and youth mental health advocates to ensure this program is implemented well.
All of us involved in the planning agree that the voices of young people must be included in the development process.
I’m very excited to announce that my office will be hosting Youth Advisory Roundtables to provide input and feedback on issues in our community, and how they impact young people. Our first roundtable will focus on mental and behavioral health, especially services and programs for young people.
If you, a family member, or peer might be interesting in joining a conversation about youth mental health or future roundtables on other topics, please contact my office by emailing mayzie.shaver@leg.wa.gov. You can also register in advance for the Youth Advisory Roundtable here.
As always, it is an honor to serve as your representative.
I look forward to hearing from you, working with you, and advocating for the needs of our community!
