Mental Illness
Dear Editor: A number of months ago I read a story in the Yale Alumni Magazine about a law student who had a mental illness. He had to drop out of school. One statement caught my attention: that the next civil rights movement will be for people who have mental illnesses. Also I believe mental health providers and any other educated person interested in the brain, need to start talking openly about mental illness. Clients, mental health providers and everyone else need to be open to these topics.
There is a great need for quality care for the people who have mental illness. The public is uneducated and scared. There’s no need for people to be scared; ask questions. Be open with each other. The stigma needs to go. The word stigma means disgrace, no human is a disgrace.
Gwendolyn Roth, Sitka
Fill the Bus
Dear Editor: SAFV just received a large amount of non-perishables to help fill our pantry. The annual “Fill the Bus” food drive happened on Saturday, sponsored and coordinated by “The Ride.” The proceeds were divided between SAFV and STA social services. I believe this was the most successful year yet.
I want to thank Gerry Hope, who annually coordinates this food drive along with all those at Sitka Tribe of Alaska who generate so much enthusiasm to make it happen.
This year, Chester Miyasato coordinated with both AC Lakeside and Seamart and they joined in the enthusiasm and supported this event wholeheartedly.
Also, KIFW did a great job in getting the word out!
I’d like to acknowledge all the staff from STA and SAFV who gave up parts of their Saturday to make this the most successful “Fill the Bus” drive to date:
Glade Morales, Sabrina Smith, Krista Perala, Lillian Feldpausch and her daughter Morgan, Tatiana Perkins, Anna Bennet, Blossom Twitchell, Jessie Archibald, Doug Bartels, Jean Swanson, Walleen Williams, Lawrence SpottedBird, Kathy Branch, Natalie Wojcik, Michelle Mahoney, Karin Mullins, Sarah Brewer, Deanna Moore and Lauren Havens.
Gunal’cheesh to everyone in the community who donated goods while they shopped on Saturday. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and much needed.
Vicki D’Amico,
Sitkans Against Family Violence
