Dear Friends,

We just turned our clocks ahead, March went out like a lamb, the warblers are singing, and the flowering bushes have begun to bloom. Spring has indeed come to pay us a visit.

Usually I associate Spring with hope, but while we have sprung forward with the season, our organization like others in the country is fearful of being set back. Conducting research or even being associated with it is tricky business now, with funding cuts and job eliminations causing confusion, sleepless nights and concern for organizations and the people we serve. It is not too strong to say we need your support now more than ever whether that be financial or through letters to your legislators urging them to fight against measures that may leave our patients without treatment options.

But I don’t want trepidation to be the overriding topic of this message. I continue to believe in the power of good and the strength of kindness. Why? Because I see both all around me when I stop, watch and listen. Throughout history, human beings have demonstrated tenacity during some of the most dehumanizing experiences. I would suggest that living in community plays a huge part in helping us retain our humanity.

At Western States, we are fortunate to have many community partners who believe in our mission and lend support through varying generous actions. Many of those partners are committed to bringing goods and services to local communities. Our website features all of our amazing partners (https://westernstatesncorp.org/community/community-sponsors-and-partners/), but I want to highlight our newest partner, K4CO Radio, here (https://www.k4coradio.com/).