Pass mental illness bill

For 13 years, I have attended the Evergreen Club, a place where recovery from mental illness is possible. I am arguing for the state Legislature to pass Engrossed Bill 5894, which would help clubhouses. The bill states, “The legislature intends to expand availability of clubhouses to provide community-based programs which promote rehabilitation, recovery and reintegration services to adults with persistent mental illnesses.”

The Evergreen Club has been around for more than 35 years, and has 160 active members. It is by a caring and compassionate group. What are we supposed to do if the bill fails? The Evergreen Club helps those who want to better their lives.

It is also cost-effective. It costs approximately the same for one person to stay at the Evergreen Club for one year than it does for two weeks at either state hospital.

Do the right thing and support the bill. Call legislators and make noise. After all, mental illness is a terrible disease, and needs you to call legislators and make noise. Don’t let 160 people, and many new ones, fall through the cracks.

Harrison Baldwin

Spokane