News from Snohomish County Council

At its recent Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Washington State announced that the Snohomish County Council was chosen for the NAMI Washington's Public Service Award. Additionally Snohomish County newspaper The Herald was chosen for NAMI Washington's Media in Public Service Award.

"NAMI is made up of mentally ill individuals and their families and friends. They are the people who know the most about issues involving the mentally ill," said Snohomish County Councilmember Dave Gossett. "NAMI works very hard to improve people's lives."

The Herald was cited for its continuing editorial support of both local and state-level efforts directed at improving the mental health system as well as providing specific support for local mental health projects and programs. Special mention was made of Herald reporters Sharon Salyer and Diana Hefley for professional work done over a sustained period. Their reporting has helped in both reducing the stigma and aiding in decriminalizing mental illness and those who live with it in our region.

The Snohomish County Council was recognized for its continuing support of mental health improvements in the county, including enacting the 1/10th of 1% sales tax for new and enhanced mental health and chemical dependency services and programs. The Council was also recognized for providing continuing funding for Crisis Intervention Team training, a Triage Facility (for diversion of people from jail into services and programs), a Mental Health Court and various other therapeutic courts, and mental health and chemical dependency services at the Snohomish County Jail.

President of NAMI Snohomish County, Jim Bloss, cited specifically the leadership provided by Councilmember Dave Gossett throughout the Council's efforts to transform much of the County's law & justice/human services system. The transformations were made to accommodate these important mental health and chemical dependency services and programs.

"I and the rest of the Council are greatly honored by this award," said Gossett. "It is very rewarding to be recognized for working to improve the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens."

Honoring Our Nation's Heroes

Veteran's Day is a day to recognize the commitment, courage and dedication of the women and men that serve in our great nation's armed forces. I hope that you will take a moment on Monday to reflect on their unwavering sacrifice and if possible attend one of the events in the county honoring veterans that are listed following the resolution below. The Council approved the following resolution on November 7, honoring all those who have answered the call to serve.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY COUNCIL

RESOLUTION NO. 12-016

Honoring Veterans and Expressing Our Gratitude for Their Service

WHEREAS, throughout our history, courageous men and women have sworn an oath to support and defend the principles upon which our country was founded; and

WHEREAS, for more than 235 years, individuals from all walks of life have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces and built a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service to our nation; and

WHEREAS, the unwavering commitment of individuals serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard has preserved our freedoms and saved millions of lives around the world; and

WHEREAS, we can recognize and honor, yet never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those heroic men and women who served during peace and war time throughout our country's history;

WHEREAS, Veterans Day has been set aside as both a national and a state holiday to honor those American patriots who answered the call of duty, preserving our freedoms and too often making the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, on Veterans Day we honor the heroes we have lost, and we rededicate ourselves to the next generation of veterans by supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and National Guardsmen as they return home from duty;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Snohomish County Council honors the service and contributions of current and former members of the United States Armed Services, including the more than 60,000 veterans and 2,000 military personnel still on active duty who reside in Snohomish County, and encourages citizens to participate in local Veterans Day activities honoring the men and women who have stood watch over America.

Listed below are just a few of the Veteran's Day events happening around the County.

Arlington - Veteran's Day Parade

11/11/2012

Time: 11:00am

Location: Olympic Ave, Downtown Arlington

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