This annual public forum addresses key legislative priorities for the upcoming year, as well as current innovations and outcomes in behavioral healthcare in the communities of King County. Speakers include King County Executive Dow Constantine and Jim Vollendroff, King County’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Director. People in recovery from mental illness and substance abuse will share their compelling stories. State and federal legislators as well as county councilmembers will also share their perspectives and priorities.

Confirmed Legislators as of Nov. 4:

Sens. Hasegawa (11^th), Jayapal (37^th), Litzow (41^st), Pedersen (43^rd), and Frockt (46^th); Reps. Bergquist (11^th), Kochmar (30^th), Ryu (32^nd), Orwall (33^rd), Cody (34^th), Fitzgibbon (34^th), Carlyle (36^th), Tarleton (36^th), Robinson (38^th), Clibborn (41^st), Senn (41^st), Speaker Chopp (43^rd), Walkinshaw (43^rd), Goodman (45^th), Pollet (46^th), and Kuderer (48^th); County Councilmembers Dembowski (1^st), Gossett (2^nd), Lambert (3^rd), McDermott (8^th), and Dunn (9^th); and County Councilmember-elect Kohl-Welles (4^th).

Event notes:

5:30pm: Doors open to all. Lobby activities/reception open to the first 750 community members to arrive. No reservations.

6:00pm: Informal constituent conversation opportunities with certain legislators, including: Sens. Hasegawa (11^th), and Jayapal (37th); Reps. Bergquist (11^th), Kochmar (30^th), Ryu (32^nd), Orwall (33^rd), Fitzgibbon (34^th), Clibborn (41^st), Senn (41^st), Walkinshaw (43^rd), Goodman (45^th), and Kuderer (48^th); County Councilmembers Gossett (2^nd), Lambert (3^rd), Upthegrove (5^th), and Dunn (9^th); and County Councilmember-elect Kohl-Welles (4^th).

6:30pm: Public reception, open to community members and legislators.

7:00pm: Program, with overflow seating available in a family-friendly environment via live simulcast.

Program Agenda.

Driving Directions and Parking Options for this event.

Presented by: King County Mental Health, Chemical Abuse, and Dependency Services Division.

Co-sponsored by: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Washington,NAMI – Greater Seattle, NAMI – Eastside, National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – Washington Legislative Action Committee, Downtown Seattle Association, King County Mental Health Advisory Board, and King County Alcohol and Substance Abuse Administrative Board.