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Letter: Making strides for mental health

Making strides for mental health

I want to thank John Stroud, Andrew Travers, Marci Krivonen, KDNK and all the reporters who over the past several months have covered the topic of mental illness in the news and media. This week’s series had our phones at the Aspen Hope Center ringing off the hook with questions, praise and comments. It is not the accolades we seek but the spread of the simple phrase “We Can Talk.” By Sarah, Kim, Trish and others sharing their positive and hopeful stories, a conversation is snowballing and people are starting to better understand mental health. When we talk and share our stories of struggles and pain and admit that the path is difficult to walk, though absolutely possible, we give hope to others and we make huge strides in eradicating the stigma that surrounds our industry and many people who live in heartache. Each conversation takes us one step out of the darkness. I want to thank the community for stepping up and having courage. Thanks to the agencies and businesses that support our work and collaborate with us, and mostly, a heartfelt thank-you to the private practitioners who openly take our clients who are in the highest need and stick with them day after day until their minds are quiet and their outlook more hopeful. They are the silent heroes, the skilled individuals in our community who make change in someone possible. Thank you for your compassion and dedication.

Michelle Muething



Executive director, Aspen Hope Center