Dear Editor: I am strongly opposing the Behavioral Health Service cuts considered by the legislature at this time. 

I have a son who benefits from the services recommended for cuts. We relinquished custody of our child to the state due to the severity of his illness and the need to send him out of state. But that is no longer the case, the state in general has become more aware of the scope of behavioral health issues by sending professionals here to train and the importance in addressing mental health in Alaska. 

I with my high school education cannot presume to know all the issues, but we as a family have been involved with developmental disability issues for an awfully long time, because we love our son, who at times was unlovable.

It is my sincerest prayer and hope that the state Legislature will somehow find a way to continue fully funding these programs.

— Helen Simmonds

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