“Hope Floats,” the Sandra Bullock movie about the lives of a family working through their issues, problems and relationships, deals with happiness and quality of life through the drama of life. I have always loved the title, it reminds me that tomorrow always comes and there is a new day to continue to work toward perfection. It gives me hope.
There are issues that require the community to pull together and provide hope for those less fortunate. Mental illness is present in all counties across this nation and affects us all.
I first experienced these issues at a very young age while staying one summer with my great uncle in Montana. He and my aunt volunteered at Warm Springs, a very progressive mental health facility for its time. The early exposure to behaviors, symptoms and treatments were eye-opening for a 12-year-old boy. My days spent at Warm Springs will resonate with me for the rest of my life. I learned to identify and to not fear mental illness. It eliminated the stigma.
Washington’s public mental health system provides services to only 29 percent of adults who live with serious mental illnesses in the state. Of the inmates at the Snohomish County Jail, 55.6 percent reported being homeless in the past year. Of these, every single one reported having a mental health issue, substance abuse issue or both. These statistics are staggering.
I can talk about individual stories and tragedies that mental illness has brought upon our families and our community, but instead, I want to talk about the tragedy that we collectively are responsible for. Mental health facilities have been closing for years, outreach treatment programs reduced or eliminated. The outcome of this has come at a great cost to our community. Families torn apart, our jails filled with the mentally ill, and hopelessness prevails.
Several years ago as a legislator I was proud to sign onto a bill that allowed counties to implement a tenth of 1 percent sales tax to support mental health programs. After it became law, I was even more proud to vote for and implement the tax as a member of the County Council. We have appointed a talented group to the Snohomish County Mental Health Sales Tax Committee which will advise the council and executive on how to best spend the money, getting treatments on the ground. This small figure roughly brings in $11 million a year — a drop of what we should be spending for mental health services — however it will help us to restore some vital service cuts made earlier.
This is a great step forward, however, it’s not enough. I implore each of you to make a commitment to our community. Become aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health. Raising mental health awareness helps to end the stigma, leads to more individuals getting the help the need and will create a more supportive community.
Brian Sullivan is a Snohomish County Council member.
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