Sent by letter March 7, 2011

Dear Congressman David Wu,

The friends and supporters of the Mental Health Association of Portland would appreciate an opportunity be your host at a public meeting at a time of your choosing to discuss current events in Oregon and nationwide; your work in Congress; and issues important to persons who have a diagnosis of mental illness or addiction.

The irresponsible media coverage of your personal health issues has given you a unique opportunity to speak out on mental health issues affecting some 60,000,000 million Americans each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Your experience — as a person actively addressing his challenges; as a person who has experienced stigma and public discrimination; and as a person who has spoken out publicly and prominently about the normality of accepting medical and family support – are all very important messages for our friends and supporters to hear.

Our friends and supporters are persons with a diagnosis of mental illness, their family members and loved ones, and individuals who are concerned for the welfare of persons with a diagnosis of mental illness, such as clergy; public bureaucrats; hospital and clinic administrators; persons who work for the police bureau, jails or prisons; nurses, physicians, counselors; and persons who provide public housing.

Please consider this letter a standing offer to speak; however, we hope it can be arranged as soon as possible. We can work on short notice and understand the important constraints on your time.

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