To the editor:

While we take the time to slow down, we’re all asking: “What are our priorities? What do we value for the future?”

As a mental health therapist, I value improved access to child care and mental health in schools. Besides my own interests in this, I just see the improvements in people’s lives that can happen when we take the time to ask if everything is OK. With my students, it’s gratifying to work with them on helping them become the people they want to be, alongside all the emotional and community challenges they may be facing.

I want to help my students and clients have even better access to services once we get through this. That’s why I’m voting for Doria Drost for state house. Doria spells out a shared priority for mental health on her website and continues to advocate for child care, early childhood support, school-based services like hot meals, and continued mental health care throughout a person’s school years. This includes early education programs that can better involve a child in the community, helping them to understand what their possibilities can be.

I think we all want positive support for our kids. You can check out more information about Doria Drost at doriadrostforhouse.com; you can also find more information about your home district District 16A at ballotpedia.org/Minnesota_House_of_Representatives_District_16A .

Keith Block

Marshall