Letter: Referendum vote helps mental health

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Fishers community,

It is with great honor that I get to serve a smart, vibrant, entrepreneurial city such as ours. We live in a city that is attracting businesses and families from all over the nation. People want to live here. As I speak with those looking for a place to call home, the first question I get is, “Are the schools good?” They are not just good; they are excellent.

However, teachers and administrators face roadblocks that must be addressed if they are going to continue to prepare our children for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. One of the challenges that faces all communities is in the arena of mental health.

HSE administration and the City of Fishers have a tremendous working relationship. We have been working together, along with various strategic partners, to establish plans on how best to address mental health concerns in our city. It is an opportunity to change the conversation. A conversation that, for years, has been one that very few people want to address. Social stigmas surrounding mental health create environments where people hide struggles. Living with increasing anxiety and depression can cause individuals to make poor choices. Studies show that in Indiana alone, 19 percent of Hoosier students contemplated suicide. Almost two out of 10 young people have felt so trapped by life that they have thought of ending it.

To make sure every child has a chance in this world, we must continually strive to have a foundation of strong education combined with care for the individual needs of children. If the schools’ tax referendum passes, HSE will be able to provide a mental health component through trained individuals a young person can go to in order to discuss challenges they face.

Anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts impact all ages. Imagine the potential of parents, students and the school district working in concert to make sure all of our children know they have value. The upcoming referendum gives us the chance to make a decision with a lasting impact in our community.

Your “Yes” vote on May 3 will help our schools address the current needs of our children and plan for the emerging challenges of tomorrow.

Join my wife and me as we vote “Yes” on May 3.

The best is yet to come!

Todd Zimmerman

Fishers City Councilor at-Large

[email protected]


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