We applaud chief editorial writer Laura Ofobike for helping to shine a light on the public health problem of maternal depression (“The shadow of maternal depression,” Feb. 19). She accurately described how untreated maternal depression can have a detrimental and lasting effect on the whole family.
Not only can there be negative consequences for children of moms with depression, but personal and family relationships can also be negatively affected.
What causes maternal depression is not clear, but it likely is the result of multiple factors, including biochemical, interpersonal and social factors. Like other forms of depression, maternal depression is very treatable and recovery very likely. Treatment usually includes talk therapy, medications, self-care and appropriate supports.
We also appreciate the leadership of county Executive Russ Pry in developing the “First Things First” initiative to give kids the best possible start in life.
The County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board joined with the Behavioral Health Group of Summit County’s “First Things First” initiative to minimize the negative impact of maternal depression in our community through awareness, education and the development of the Summit County Maternal Depression Network.
The network’s team has identified providers with expertise in maternal depression and developed a referral process to ensure that services are available and accessible to pregnant women and new moms.
If you know a new mom who may need help, please contact the Care Coordination Unit at Summit County Public Health at 330-926-5660 to be linked to a service provider.
Jerry Craig
Executive director
County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction
and Mental Health Services Board
Akron
Another side of a drug story
In response to the Feb. 18 letter (“Complications of drug legalization”) about the effect on a drug addict’s family if drugs were made legally available, I would like to present another side of the story. Why are those families more important than the family of a businessman murdered by an addict to obtain money to buy a fix? As the father of a son who was murdered, while working, by an alleged addict, here are some points to consider:
In 1900, cocaine, heroin and marijuana could be purchased over the counter at a local drug store. That did not destroy our country. If the feds controlled drug distribution, they would save billions spent enforcing unenforceable laws. It would take the drug dealers off the streets and from the borders. It would save lives of the robbery victims.
Don’t sell them the drugs; give them out free in measured amounts. Keep records, so that users might be helped when they are ready.
What makes the addict’s life more valuable than the life of our son, or any other victim?
Why not use the money spent on interdiction to save lives, both of the innocent victims of drug addicts and of the victims of drug use?
Richard Keel
Tallmadge
Missing coverage
As a longtime reader, I have been impressed with the newspaper’s environmental conscience.
Consequently, I was deeply disappointed that there was no coverage of Sunday’s “Move Forward on Climate” rally at the National Mall.
It was the largest climate rally in history, focused on an extremely important decision President Obama will soon make on whether to approve the Keystone pipeline.
Curt Hofmann
Copley Township
