Finally it begins; the talk of the struggle in Napa County has transitioned to the walk (or the march), and thanks to Ashley Ochoa and Jenny Waken, voices of Napa County residents are being heard! I was so excited to be a part of this march, to see the lit up and excited faces of so many who came together with the same passion for change, and the same drive to fight (safely) for a difference that's long over-due!
The challenge of having a dual diagnosis can be a detrimental reality ending with an inability to cope. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness pile up for the struggling individual as a result of the separation of mental health services and drug and alcohol addiction services, and largely a result of the criminal justice system treating those who struggle with either mental illness and/or drug addiction as criminals instead of treating the underlying issue (i.e. schizophrenia, PTSD, addiction, childhood trauma, etc.) which, in turn, lead to crime or a need to self-medicate.
Now, the voice for change has been taken loudly beyond a pointless call to the Deputy or Napa County's Mental Health Supervisor. A movement has begun, and positive change for our struggling Napa County residents will follow!
Thank you Ashley and Jenny for putting it all together, and to all those who support the cause from the start to the never-ending!
Read what the register had to say about this awesome event and what's to come, and the voices who spoke up from their personal experiences!
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