As we embark on a new year, now is the time to reflect on the journey behind us and our aspirations for the year ahead. In 2023, our organization navigated change, met new challenges, and strengthened our operational efficiency and care delivery.
Reflecting on last year, I’d like to extend my gratitude to Sound’s Chairman, Tom Bolger, and the entire board who have given their time, talents and financial support towards the betterment of behavioral health in our community. Working alongside such gifted, compassionate, and committed stewards of Sound is a true pleasure.
A heartfelt thank you to our invaluable 2023 donors, each of whom directly influences the number of individuals we can reach. Your concern for community members with limited access to essential support is truly commendable. A special acknowledgment goes to our steadfast long-term donors, whose consistent support has been instrumental in Sound's enduring mission, values, and journey.
On behalf of Sound, I’m immensely grateful to our Washington State legislators for approving the 2023-2025 state operating budget and in doing so, allowing for rate increases of behavioral healthcare fees. Their leadership in advocating for this additional funding is critical to our agency’s ability to meet surging demand and increase access to care for those in need.
I also want to express profound gratitude to our dedicated Sound team. Their unwavering commitment, relentless compassion and immense dedication makes a difference and saves lives. The work they do each day provides hope and a path to recovery for all.
In other exciting news, 2023 saw the addition of key leaders to our executive team – Stacey Lopez, Chief Clinical and Quality Officer; Eddie Pasatiempo, Chief Impact and Community Engagement Officer; and Phaedra Pascoe, Chief Medical Officer. Their wealth of expertise and boundless energy bode well for Sound's journey ahead, as we aim to reach new heights in the coming year.
Which brings me to today, and the pressing need to do more for our behavioral health community. As I look forward to 2024, I am excited about the incredible possibilities and Sound's ongoing commitment to realize them.
These possibilities include:
The need for behavioral health services in our community is vast, and your continued support and generosity will make a significant difference. Together, we will do more in 2024 to positively impact lives.
Thank you for standing with us on this crucial journey.
Sincerely,
Katrina Egner
Sound President & CEO
At SOUND Behavioral Health, we are inspired when young people step up to make a difference in our community. A group of students from Mercer Island High School —Levi Jones, Ronan Buckley, and Connor Flume — have done just that with their initiative, 988 Find Your Peace.Through T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988, these students are helping normalize conversations about mental health and letting their peers know that support is always available. All profits from their apparel go directly to SOUND, helping us provide critical counseling, crisis intervention, housing support, and recovery services throughout King County.
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When SOUND clinician Marlene Andrews began volunteering at the Sammamish Animal Sanctuary, she noticed something unexpected. The animals, many of them rescued or recovering from neglect, required patience and consistency to build trust – much like the people she supported in her work at SOUND Behavioral Health. That realization planted the seed for what would become SOUND’s Animal Sanctuary program. In partnership with the Sammamish Animal Sanctuary, SOUND’s program is now a thriving part of the organization’s Child and Family Services offerings.
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Just a few short weeks ago, SOUND Behavioral Health welcomed more than 400 community members, partners, and supporters to Fremont Studios for the annual SOUND of Hope Gala — an evening dedicated to expanding access to mental health and substance use services across King County.
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