As I attend neighborhood meetings across the city, one thing is a constant point of conversation: people are concerned about a dramatic increase in crime. There is a growing feeling of vulnerability throughout our community. Together we can come together and craft solutions that work for our County.
We need a comprehensive and cohesive approach that ensures accountability, supports law enforcement, and recognizes the urgent need for supportive services such as mental health counseling and drug addiction treatment.
Through my service on the executive board of NAMI SW WA (National Alliance on Mental Illness) I have come to recognize the pressing need for behavioral health teams in cooperation with law enforcement to de-escalate mental health crisis situations. There is a dire need in our community for supportive mental health and addiction treatment. Law enforcement is not enough, we need a plan for successful reintegration and treatment. We need to provide our law enforcement teams the tools and resources necessary for success. Creating the conditions for success will lead to a safer, more prosperous Clark County