Open your hearts this fall

Dear Editors,

If anyone missed the Jan. 27 "Getting a Grip on Mental Illness," I highly recommend going to www.durangotelegraph.com and reading it. Or simply print it out the next time you are online, and read it at your convenience.It's an excellent article about our future in La Plata County concerning a newurgent psychiatric care center. I am sure it took great courage for Amy and Brad Lantzto publicizetheir private experience.Although, knowing there is a huge needforthe care center, it's important toinform the voting publicabout the anguish one encounters.

Amy and Brad's story "hit home" with me. I know exactly what they went through. Experiencing first hand the urgency to get a loved one during a manic state of mind to a psychiatric care center is very stressful, all in itself.Thenhaving the patient be isolated hundreds of miles away from friends andfamily for treatment doesn't help anyone cope during this vital time.A feeling of helplessness smothers the patient's loved ones, because they can't afford a motel room for 10 days,to be there andvisitwith emotional support.

Please take the time to read the article.Also, please open your hearts and unselfishly vote this fallto pass thehealth-services district initiative. You or someone you know in our community will most likely be in desperate needfor the services it will provide. Thank goodness we already have a caring and well-respected staff towork atthe facility. Patients and familieswill be in good hands. Trust me, I've experienced their professional and comforting expertise.

- Amy Wanzek, Durango