Tragedy puts focus on health needs

The very tragic event in Skagit County only emphasizes the need to have a proactive health-care system. A system such as we have now in Snohomish County that provides the help required for mental and other health-related issues citzens have, including teenage pregnacies, child protection, welfare, medical, etc.

The Snohomish Health District provides services with a professional staff, including registered nurses, that addresses many needs the community has and sometimes cannot afford. Recent news articles have reported the fact that the current and future budget requirements for programs run by the Snohomish Health District and other organizations, both in Snohomish County and elsewhere in the state, will not be fully funded and therefore either drastically cut or ended. This would be very serious and I urge our Legislature to address these budgetary shortfalls and find innovative funding to be able to sustain the services now available.

I am not saying that the tragic Skagit County event would not have happened, but it certainly presented the kind of help that is available and would be reduced if funding is not made available. I also would like to appeal to every citizen to contact their legislators and voice their concerns.

Gary K. Kelly

Mukilteo