Dear Neighbor,
I hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July and were able to spend it with friends and family.
Coffee and Conversation
This Saturday I will be talking with people from noon until 2 P.M. at the Dunn Brothers in Apple Valley (15265 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124) about some of Minnesota’s new laws, how the federal healthcare bill will impact people in Minnesota and state budget, and any other topic that you may be interested in talking more about.
Night to Unite / National Night Out
Tuesday, August 1st, is Minnesota Night to Unite and National Night Out. These events are held the first Tuesday in August in neighborhoods across the country to celebrate a commitment to our safe communities. If you would like me to stop by an event in your neighborhood, please let me know and I will try to attend. I am hoping to get to as many neighborhood events as possible. So if you see me, please say hi and introduce yourself!
Minnesota Mental Health Service Closing
Recently MPR reported that a mental health, addiction and abuse helpline, Crisis Connection, with close at the end of this week. Crisis Connection, which is a Minnesota non-profit, approached the state for additional support through grants, but were turned down because the majority had other priorities in the final budget bill.
Before session began this year, I said we must do more to address mental health in our community. Somehow, we've managed to do less. Crisis Connection, which has already served more than 20,000 Minnesotans this year alone, will be closed on July 14th; the small amount of funding they needed to stay open was not included in a final budget bill. For context, the tax break given to Big Tobacco could have funded Crisis Connection more than 5x over.
Suicides continue to rise in Minnesota. Students with anxiety and depression are struggling in our schools. Chronic absenteeism in our school districts has risen, largely due to students (or parents) suffering from mental health difficulties.
I will continue to shed light on this issue and work with our community on solutions. If you or someone you know is struggling, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has helpful resources. In Dakota County people can find help at 952-891-7171.
Sincerely,
Erin