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LETTERS:   Mental health years ago


To the Editor:

I am writing to thank all of the wonderful people involved in the rescue of a loved one July 26 and his transfer to St. Francis in Wichita the following morning. Without heroic efforts of the Marion police and fire departments, the ambulance service, Marion County sheriff's office, St. Luke Hospital's excellent staff, and Dr. Don Hodson, I'm quite certain my loved one would not have survived.

Words alone can not express my heartfelt gratitude. Marion can indeed be proud to count such wonderful and caring folks among its ranks. No community anywhere, large or small, can hold itself up any higher when it comes to caring and selfless giving.

I must add that mental illness takes far too many lives, whether through suicide, substance abuse, etc., and it needs to be something we're no more reluctant to speak of than cancer, heart disease, or any life-threatening illness. Treatment is available, affordable, and although at times elusive, treatment is effective. So please, if you're suffering or if you know someone that is, don't be ashamed to reach out for help. All life is precious.

Thank you all.

Erick Brunzell

Marion

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