The first battle is to help people understand that everyone has some form of mental health issue in his/her life. I sought our counseling during some transitional periods in my life and it helped me tremendously. I would not be the person I am today without the help I received. As an Illinois legislator, I will advocate for funding to be directed to resources for our communities. We must have decent counselors in schools for children, for veterans suffering from PTSD and other trauma, for those suffering from loss of loved ones, for our elderly who are suffering, and others. Many of the problems we face in Illinois are a direct result of not having the resourCes to meet people where they are and to care for them in their mental health journey.