Letter: Time to make a real effort with mental illness

Its very commendable to want to do something for the mentally ill of Tri-Cities. How about suitable housing, with medical staff, activity director, cook and social worker, on staff or available?

We don’t let our elder citizens with dementia roam the streets; there are homes for them that are safe. Mental illness is a chemical dysfunction in the brain. Meds help, but I’ve heard there are side effects that are hard to deal with.

I’ve lived in Tri-Cities 50 years, and had a daughter with schizophrenia. Her life was a living hell, and it was also for her family trying to help her.

Our mental health system here is dismal at best! Spokane has at least 18 group homes, some small, some big. There is money from RSN that each county gets, and HUD money from government to build facilities. It isn’t all for corporate salaries. Lets do the right thing for our sick family members!