Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As I prepare for the 2020 legislative session, I am looking forward to hosting several listening sessions throughout our district on the topic of behavioral health—the integration of substance use and mental health treatment.
In my experience, one of the most painful and debilitating conditions in families is untreated mental health issues and substance use disorder. I recognize that there is still a major stigma around talking about these issues, but almost every time I start a conversation about behavioral health, I find that so many of us share common experiences among our friends, family, and our own struggles with mental health or substance use. Nobody should be ashamed to reach out for help or admit that they (or a family member or close friend) are struggling.
We made great progress this year in expanding access to behavioral health treatment options, but there is still so much more the state can do. This is why I will be hosting several listening sessions on this topic.
Please join me at one of six upcoming listening sessions. This is an opportunity to share your concerns, policy suggestions, and personal stories with me before the 2020 legislative session begins. Make your voice heard! There will be no appointments. Please stop by on whichever date works best for you.
Sunday, November 10, 2:00 – 3:30PM at Thruline Coffee in Kirkland
Tuesday, November 12, 6:00 – 7:30PM at Zoka Coffee in Kirkland
Monday, November 25, 9:30 – 11:00AM at Woods Coffee in Bellevue
Saturday, December 7, 10:00 – 11:30AM at Victor’s Celtic Coffee in Redmond
Thursday, December 12, 3:00 – 4:30PM at Victor’s Celtic Coffee in Redmond
Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 – 8:30PM at Woods Coffee in Bellevue
If you are unable to attend one of these listening sessions and would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at 425.822.1114 or amy.walen@leg.wa.gov. I hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
Please note the addresses for each of the listening session locations:
Thruline Coffee: 136 Park Lane, Kirkland, WA 98033
Zoka Coffee: 129 Central Way, Kirkland, WA 90833
Woods Coffee: 625 116th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Victor’s Celtic Coffee: 7993 Gilman Street, Redmond, WA 98052