Readers Write: May 20, 2021

Mental health

Dear editor:
May is Mental Health Month. By urging my public officials to prioritize suicide prevention, mental health and crisis care, I am hoping to influence collective change to support #MentalHealth4All.
Right now, individuals in crisis are able to call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress and those who care for them. Soon, it will be much easier to remember how to reach the Lifeline as the number will be changing to “988” nationwide by July 2022.
Knowing this, it is critically important that states pass legislation NOW to reliably fund 988 and their state’s crisis response system. Reliable funding will help to ensure all 988 callers can reach a counselor in their own state who is familiar with and can connect them with local resources. Culturally competent support and local connections can better help all callers through their crisis and in their recovery.
Join me this month in urging your public officials to fund 988. We all play a role in changing the culture around mental health. Together, we can ensure #MentalHealth4All.

Dorothy Torres
Menifee

Idyllwild Arts Academy

Dear editor:
I was saddened reading Pam Jordan’s letter regarding the list of student grievances published in the Town Crier. As the parent of two Idyllwild Arts Academy (IAA) graduates, I know the school has its ups and downs, and will occasionally have problematic personnel. However, knowing many of the people named, the list of grievances came off to me as a few genuine problems, some issues that could have been resolved through discussion, and several unwarranted attacks on excellent teachers and staff.
In characterizing the students making these unsubstantiated public attacks as “brave,” prior to investigating, Ms. Jordan deflected from her failure to lead, by throwing some of IAA’s best people under the bus. It will be difficult for teachers and staff to do their jobs in the hostile environment she has created.

Jon Zorn
Idyllwild