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A Strong, Bipartisan Approach

I’m writing to proudly support Christine Cohen for state senator representing the 12th District.

I am a clinical social worker at Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital, and I know all too well the toll the opioid epidemic has had on our state. Simply put, there aren’t enough treatment resources for individuals when they are finally ready for help. The cost to the state for untreated addiction is enormous, via increased fiscal burden on the legal system and the state child welfare agencies, and the overall impact on the economy as untreated persons with active addiction cannot participate in the work force.

Further cuts to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will only result in decreased services. I know that Christine Cohen will responsibly balance the short-term fiscal needs of the state with the long-term impact that successful addiction treatment will have on the state economy.

Christine, like many of us, has seen the opioid crisis leak into her family and understands how complex and dynamic this issue is. She knows how deep of an impact one person’s addiction can have on the individual, as well as family, friends, and community. She would work hard to de-stigmatize addiction so that members of our community feel comfortable asking for crucial help to recover.

I know that Christine is the right woman for the job; she’s not afraid to roll up her sleeves and fight for the values of the 12th District. She’ll be a voice for Branford with a strong, bipartisan approach that we desperately need to curb the opioid epidemic. I encourage your readers to join me in voting for Christine Cohen on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Christine Simpson

Branford