Metropolitan King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert is holding a community forum, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 6 at Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church, 36017 SE Fish Hatchery Rd, Fall City, to examine how stress can impact your life and discuss the tools available to help combat it.

Lambert said the event will focus on S.A.D.S. (Sad, Anxious, Depressed, Suicidal), and how stress can trigger this reaction.

“It is up to each of us to be aware of those around us and know when they are experiencing stresses and issues that seem too big to carry alone,” said Lambert. “Sensitivity to this will give us opportunities to help people find resources for help or encouragement. This evening should be informative for all of us to make a healthier community.”

Scheduled participants at the forum include: Jim Vollendroff, Director for the King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division; Dr. Maria Yang, Medical director for behavioral health services in King County; and Tony Gomez from the King County Department of Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention program, a program that includes efforts to reduce suicides.

Vollendroff is responsible for the delivery mental health and substance use disorder prevention and treatment services for the low-income and Medicaid population in King County. Yang is a psychiatrist and has spent most of her career working in public-sector settings with people with significant mental health and substance use disorders.

Representatives from Public Health—Seattle and King County, the Department of Community Services, Snoqualmie Valley Community Network and Friends of Youth will also participate.

For more information on the town hall meeting, contact Councilmember Lambert’s office at (206) 477-1003 or send email to kathy.lambert@kingcounty.gov.