In a recent open letter to the Vet Center Leadership, Heather Hill of Central WA Veterans Counselling, writes:

Central Washington is facing a deadly crisis—one born not of sudden catastrophe, but of a long-standing failure to adequately support the mental health needs of our veteran community. The tragic loss of three young girls at the hands of their father, Army veteran Travis Decker, is not an isolated event. It is the most recent and devastating example of what happens when veteran-specific support systems break down. This is the collateral damage of inaction despite consistent and continued advocacy for increased services since 2020.

With upcoming changes to program funding and contracts not being renewed, there is an urgent need to speak up and be heard. Make sure the leadership knows that our region is in desparate need of the support services that Heather Hill and the Vet Center provide, and the demand is higher than can be met with current funding.

Read the entire open letter at NCW Veterans Info, and then contact anyone and everyone you know that will listen to spread the word.

In the mean time, take a moment to check in on your fellow veterans – make sure they are doing okay, and if they aren’t, help them get the help they need. If you don’t know where to start, the local county Veteran Service Officers should be able to direct you. Their contact information is on our homepage.