As wildfires worsen annually, it’s turning into more durable to disregard the local weather emergency. I nonetheless bear in mind mistaking ash for aphids throughout my first encounter with wildfire smoke. My son has recognized little else however smoky summers as he’s grown up.
If we don’t quickly change course, as we speak’s kids will expertise many extra disasters over their lifetimes than adults, together with wildfire and excessive warmth. These disasters have severe psychological well being impacts, as cited in “UW study examines connection between wildfires, mental health” [April 4]. To sort out this disaster, we should concurrently transition away from fossil fuels, particularly “pure” gasoline, and strengthen psychological well being companies.
As lead examine creator Dr. Zack Wettstein identified, growing sources inside hospitals is a begin, however it’s clear we want broader neighborhood involvement. We’ll by no means have sufficient licensed psychological well being suppliers to handle the growing want. The bipartisan Group Psychological Wellness and Resilience Act (HR 3073/S1452) would sort out the nation’s psychological well being disaster by participating communities to create, function or broaden native applications. These applications would allocate a portion of funds to assist deal with rural psychological well being disparities.
Ask your nationwide consultant to ask U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, chairwoman of Home Power and Commerce Committee, to name a listening to and to co-sponsor HR 3073.
Claire Richards, Bainbridge Island