Dear Editor,
I write to you today, on a subject that I used to never think about, a subject that never entered my mind. Until, one day.... It suddenly happened to me.  
On Dec. 1, 2015 my happy and normal life as I knew it was obliterated. I received a call that no parent should ever get, my 21-year-old son, Allan, had taken his own life. As it is said, “hindsight is 20/20,” and now I have learned that is one of the truest statements I have learned in life.
I have chosen to dedicate my time to helping anyone who may think that suicide is the only way out. Through my work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, I know three key investments will help those living with mental illness and substance use disorders and prevent suicide: Enforce mental health parity, preserve Medicaid and invest in resources to support the mental health support system for our military personnel and veterans.

Members of Congress have a stark choice to make: to invest as a nation in real care to support strong mental health services.  
We absolutely cannot lose any more men, women and children to suicide.
I will be personally talking with members of our Congress in Washington, D.C., on June 13 about incorporating these investments in any health care legislation, and we need your voice.
Please join me and thousands of others to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention at https://afsp.org/afspforum17.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Martin
DeKalb