This month, we pause to acknowledge a moment of concern for our community: dramatic shifts in federal policy that threaten the services so many of our neighbors rely on for their recovery.
As we navigate this time of uncertainty, our team remains grounded in the fact that SOUND has served King County for more than 60 years. And through six decades ofchange, one thing has remained constant: our ability to adapt, to lead, and to care forthose around us, no matter the challenges we face.Today’s climate is no different.
Legislation recently passed by federal lawmakers comes with painful trade-offs, includingsweeping cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. These programs are lifelines, relied upon bythousands of SOUND clients every day across King County, programs that allow people toregain and maintain control of their lives.
Here in Washington state, the expansion of Medicaid (Apple Health) has been acornerstone of improved behavioral healthcare access. Rolling back this progress puts ourcollective well-being at risk. Mental health and substance use challenges are difficultenough on their own and compounding them with fewer resources and more red tape willhave real, tangible consequences in our community.
While we're still working to analyze future impacts of new legislation, SOUND remainsfiercely committed to our mission and we’re taking action.
Just a few weeks ago, I traveled with fellow members of our statewide conveningorganization, the Washington Council for Behavioral Health, to advocate directly withlawmakers in Washington D.C. Along with my colleagues in leadership and advocacycoalition Fourfront Contributor, I’m meeting regularly with state officials as well. And hereat SOUND, our teams are already working to adjust and plan – exploring every avenue toprotect care for our clients and continue to do the next right thing.
But we can’t accomplish this alone. Now more than ever, we need our community – our donors, our partners, our allies – to stand with us. Your support helps ensure SOUND remains a lifeline for those who need it, and every dollar is a necessity in keeping our Orange Door open to all.
Thank you for continuing to walk with us. For showing up, speaking out, and standing firm in your belief that everyone deserves access to care.
Sincerely,
Katrina Egner
SOUND President & CEO
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For more than 20 years, SOUND's Middle School Support Program (MSSP) has helped connect middle school students with behavioral health support where they need it most. The program is one part of SOUND's broader continuum of school-based behavioral health services, which bring care directly to students across King County. Since the program's inception, the Nesholm Family Foundation has helped sustain the MSSP through two decades of dedicated support, allowing students to access care in the place they spend much of their day: school.
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From expanding access to behavioral health services and crisis response programs to strengthening partnerships across King County, this report reflects the collective efforts of our staff, clinicians, donors, volunteers and community partners.
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As SOUND marks 60 years of service to the community, we sat down with Board Chair Roger Dowdy to reflect on the organization’s legacy, its role today, and the opportunities ahead.
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