The King County Behavioral Health division will once again hold its annual Legislative Forum, which offers an opportunity for the behavioral health community to show up in force to communicate its priorities and focus for the next year.
The event, which takes place on Nov 8 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall <<https://www.mapquest.com/us/washington/seattle-center-exhibition-hall-founders-court-352511932>>, will feature commentary from County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg to kick off the evening.
As in years past, Sound is a co-sponsor of the Legislative Forum and will be present during the evening. Sound team members are encouraged to attend the event. Though there is no cost for the forum, the County still encourages those interested to register for the event <<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/22nd-king-county-behavioral-health-legislative-forum-registration-46999852825>>.
An interactive Recovery in Action event kicks off the evening at 4:30 p.m., followed by a reception where the community can directly engage the many legislators who will attend at 6 p.m. The program begins at 7 p.m. The entire community is encouraged to attend.
While sharing priorities with legislators is critical, the most compelling portion of the evening will be the real stories of recovery that clients share with the elected officials. Last year, Sound client Danny Wills <<https://www.sound.health/blog/2018/01/03/a-survivors-story-danny-wills/>> shared his powerful story of recovery from decades of mental illness and addiction. While no Sound client is selected this year, the stories are certain to be inspiring. These narratives put a real face and compelling story on recovery and strongly underscore the lifesaving work of behavioral health organizations. With more funding and legislative engagement, providers can engage thousands more like Danny, whose recovery depends upon funding and adequate access to care.
Legislators already confirmed to attend include: Reps. Kloba (1st District), Ryu (32nd), Gregerson (33rd), Orwall (33rd), Fitzgibbon (34th), Frame (36th), Tarleton (36th), Robinson (38th), Macri (43rd), Goodman (45th), Pollet (46th); Senators Palumbo (1st District) and Carlyle (36th); and County Councilmembers Kohl-Welles (4th) and McDermott (8th).
Sound team members typically attend in large numbers each year and we hope that we do so again this year as well. Sound’s Marketing Team will be present to provide tee shirts to team members so please join us! Please wear them to show solidarity at the event. We look forward to seeing you all there!