I lost my dad seven years ago to suicide. When I think about children and teenagers facing the challenges and pressures that lead them to believe that suicide is the solution, I think about how my dad and others often suffer silently and alone. Meeting someone else who experienced that same grief and loss immediately gave me a sense of comfort and hope. When I learned that my colleague on the San Mateo-Foster City School District Board, Noelia Corzo, lost her older brother to suicide when she was a teenager, I knew that she was someone I could count on to advocate for mental health support in our schools.
Noelia Corzo understands the consequences of not having mental health support when someone urgently needs it. She has led and supported numerous initiatives and strategies that prioritize the health, safety and well-being of students, parents and staff in our school district. These include increasing counselors at our schools, adding social workers to our district, providing trauma informed practice training for employees and districtwide guaranteed counseling services for all students.
Mental health is an important aspect to having a safe, healthy and inclusive county. I know that Noelia will bring that same determination that she brings to our school district by ensuring that everyone has access to the support and services that they need. Please join me and vote for Noelia Corzo for San Mateo County supervisor, District 2.
(6) comments
Beautiful letter and an important reminder of why we need diverse views and experiences in our County Supervisors. It's a really important race that tends to fly under the radar but affects us all. Noelia Corzo brings a wealth of vision, and she will as Supervisor, she will support mental health priorities, as well as affordable housing, education, sheriff oversight, support for our police and so many other issue that I care about.
Good morning, Alison
What a great LTE. Thank you.
I don't live in District 2 but I have watched the Stone vs. Corzo debate with interest, and I really like how you have described your advocacy for Noelia. You clearly understand and relate to her conscience...
It's not about tearing down the other side but saying instead why a candidate is worthy of support at the ballot box. You have done so in your letter. Letters from Charles' supporters that do the same should also be appreciated.
I miss you, Ray! I agree with you 100%- folks can advocate for their candidate without having to destroy another... not to mention the misleading and misinformation too. I'm with you!
well said.
Hey, Rudy
You mentioned the importance of local elections in one of you columns a while back... you are 100% correct... they are very, very important. It's not just about traffic and utility rates anymore. While those two things are still important... we are now making choices about who we want to make decisions re: things like housing, public safety, schools, and... as Alison so eloquently stated... mental health issues.
Thank you for sharing your story. This must be so personal and painful and the impetus to keep it private must be strong. I knew Noelia for years before I knew this about her brother. We need to hear these stories. We need to not feel alone or shame when mental health issues touch our own families. We need to know that our leaders get it. Mental health is such a critical need right now, especially with our youth. I am with you in supporting a candidate who deeply, personally understands from a place where they are compelled to do something about it. Another reason I'm voting for Noelia Corzo for District 2 Supervisor.
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