I have four reasons to vote "yes" on Issue 3, the mental health levy on the Nov. 5 ballot.

1. So kids don't have to grow up before they should. Taking care of each other when their mother can't get out of bed because her depression keeps her from being the parent they need her to be.

2. A woman who was broken by mental illness she had all her life. Because of the support she has received, she now is supporting and advocating for other clients.

3. The soldier who comes home to a hero's welcome, but once home can't fit in and as the neighborhood forgets him, he can't forget what he has been through. He and his family try to co-exist in a "new normal."

4. A teenager who feels he can control his bipolar issues with drugs and alcohol. Now in his 20s, he is addicted and wonders if he has any options for his future.

These people are real and they seek help from our mental health agencies. The agencies are funded by the Board of Mental Health and Recovery.

Won't you help these people and so many more that depend on the agencies to make it through every day?

A "yes" vote on the renewal levy supports adults and children and costs you no extra money.

Portage County benefits from a "yes" vote. Benefits include services to school districts, caring for our veterans and safer communities.

Karen Cox, Atwater,

Portage County NAMI president, Board of

Mental Health and

Recovery member