CRISIS: Center's cheers and boos

Much ado has been made lately about the Mental Health Crisis Center going to Idaho Falls rather than to Coeur d’Alene. The center would have provided coverage to two health and welfare regions and seven legislative districts not just to Kootenai County and its three legislative districts. The center had the backing of multiple stakeholders, including law enforcement, area hospitals and community mental health providers. The center also gained wide bipartisan support throughout the state and also throughout northern Idaho.

So, when we look at our North Idaho legislators, we need to thank those who supported this center: Senators Keough (1), Goedde (4), Schmidt (5), and Johnson (6) as well as Representatives Eskridge (1), Anderson (1), Morse (2), Henderson (3), Malek (4), Agidius (5), Ringo (5) and Rushe (6). The lack of legislative support, that has defined the frustration with the center not coming to northern Idaho, was apparent not only by Senator Nonini (3) and Representatives Barbieri (2), Mendive (3) and Sims (4). But, also District 6 Representative Thyra Stevenson and the entire District 7 contingent: Senator Nuxoll, Representatives Paul Shepard and Shannon McMillian. Stakeholders from all of northern Idaho worked on the proposal to have the crisis center brought to Coeur d’Alene. Lack of Legislative support from all of northern Idaho cost us the center.

JESSICA CHILCOTT

Sandpoint