Community PSA: You're Not Alone

Our community recently lost a young person far too soon, and it's hit close to home for many of us, including families in this group. If your kids know each other, or if this loss has shaken your household the way it has ours, you're not alone in that.
I'm sharing this, not because I have answers, but because I want to make sure everyone knows what's available if they, or someone they love, is struggling.
If you or someone you know is struggling:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988, available 24/7, free and confidential. Chat online at 988lifeline.org.
• Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 if talking feels like too much right now.
• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth) — Call 1-866-488-7386.
• Native & Strong Lifeline — Dial 988, press 4 (WA area codes) — culturally specific support for Native/Indigenous youth and adults.
• Veterans Crisis Line — Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255.

Whatcom County resources:

• North Sound Regional Crisis Line — 1-800-584-3578, 24/7. Connects to the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team and the Anne Deacon Center for Hope (crisis stabilization, Bellingham).
• PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center ER — (360) 734-5400 — for immediate in-person crisis.
• NAMI Whatcom — (360) 671-4950 — local support, education, and family resources.
• Northwest Youth Services (ages 13–24) — (360) 393-0166 — emergency housing and support for at-risk youth.

For parents: if you're not sure how to start the conversation with your kids, it's okay to just say you're worried and ask how they're doing. You don't have to have the right words — showing up is enough.
Grief doesn't follow a schedule, and it doesn't have to be carried alone. If you need someone to talk to — whether it's about this or anything else — reach out. To each other, to the resources above, or to me directly and I can help you find the right place to go next.
Take care of yourselves and each other.