[Street Address]
[City, ST ZIP Code]
District Office
12600 West Colfax Avenue
Suite B-400
Lakewood, CO 80215
RE: Mental Health Issues
Dear Congressman Ed Perlmutter:
Over the course of the years, our nation has had to deal with the loss of innocent lives as a result of individuals struggling with untreated conditions that have been caused by mental health illnesses. Unfortunately, it has hit home here in Denver, Colorado. The violence is not only to others but also to themselves. There are many reasons why this mental illness could have surfaced ranging from emotional to financial problems, however something needs to be done soon. The number of those that are suffering from mental health issues are increasing every day. I am proposing that the Colorado’s Mental Healthcare System develop more community mental health services to advocate for these individuals and the community. It is important that we address mental health issues now as the situation could worsen in Denver. Each year thousands are in need for mental health treatment, but many end up going on without any care. According to the Denver Post, “Colorado’s suicide rate has risen to the sixth highest in the nation” (Denver Post 1). However, psychiatric treatment is at an all-time low. Despite the call for additional mental health services, there are many that oppose having more services. This is partly because many who have supported cuts in mental healthcare believe some people who say they are suffering from a mental illness are actually not seriously mentally ill. These types of stigmas must go away. Funding is needed to help these individuals get the proper care that is needed. This would also help to bring forth compassion for the needy within our community. If nothing is done, this could resort in more lives being lost. Families in the community are crying out for help, but no one has been able to offer a helping hand. However, I do believe that we as a community with your help can bring forth solutions to this lingering problem. Here are a few steps that can be taken in order to help those in need of mental health services.
In order to create more mental health services within the community, we would first have to access our current resources and then present our recommendations to the Denver Board of County Commissioners. When we are able to divert citizens to other mental health services, it will save local hospitals and the jail system thousands of dollars. Finding other means to serve our most vulnerable populations can also help our law enforcement work in areas where they are most needed. A plan can also be put in place to create mobile services and respite care. These initiatives are sure to get our community back to a thriving place to live in again with your help. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Works Cited
Denver Post. Tacking Colorado’s Mental Health Crisis. Retrieved from http://www.denverpost.com/2014/11/28/tackling-colorados-mental-health-care-crisis/
