STARS IN THE SKY VALLEY: Committed advocate for mental health

By Valeria Rae

Everyone has heard of Socrates, the Greek philosopher who many consider to have founded democracy back in 400 B. C.

Socrates developed and taught a method of thinking and problem solving that is with us today. It is called the Socratic Method and Jim Bloss is making it available to the Sky Valley community through a modern day group called the Socrates Caf+¬.

The monthly gatherings will be held on the third Saturday of each month, starting in October, at the Monroe Library, and are open to anyone who would like to participate. The purpose is to arrive at a commonly recognized truth regarding certain topics.

Using the democratic philosophy, the topics are selected by attendees. Jim asks, "In this time of growing polarization and intolerance, are you interested in having civil conversations with others engaging in a quest to better understand human nature and become more empathetic people and more objective critical and creative inquirers? Come join us and let's reason together.GÇ¥

You might know Jim as a community activist, the former owner and operator of Sky Valley Taxi, or as a strong proponent of mental health services in Snohomish County and Washington.

Jim retired from a career in the U.S. Air Force and, after a number of jobs in the public and private sectors, he and his family moved to Monroe to set down roots back home where his wife, Lynn, grew up.-á Lynn's parents, Gordon and Elsie Tjerne, had lived in the area for many years. Once here, Jim decided to start his own business, running a taxi service for 9 years. As the only taxi in town, Jim experienced the diversity of our social community, made some good friends and has many lasting memories.

His lively interest turned toward activism when a member of his family was diagnosed with mental illness. Jim educated himself on the issues and became the president of the local affiliate of a grassroots advocacy group, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This organization was founded to support the families and individuals afflicted with mental illness. The mission of NAMI is to provide education, research and support through various activities. Jim served as president for 15 years, spending untold hours lobbying at the county and state levels, to focus legislators on issues of mental illness and increase public support for funding.

Jim observes that the current approach to mental disorders is one which often ignores the issues until they become a public nuisance or threat, and then attempts to treat conditions in isolation of the family and community where the individuals live.

Jim emphasizes that mental illness needs to be recognized as a disease, and funding for prevention, intervention and diversion are needed to address the causes as well as the effects. Statistics indicate that one out four people will be impacted by mental illness of some sort during their lifetimes. However, under the current system, the underlying causes and diagnoses will be misunderstood, and many individuals will end up with chemical dependency problems and/or involved in the criminal justice system.

NAMI has more than 1,000 chapters, represented in all 50 states. In addition to public awareness, "NAMI works to keep family safety nets in place, to promote recovery and to reduce the burden on an overwhelmed mental health care delivery system. The organization works to preserve and strengthen family relationships challenged by severe and persistent mental illness, GÇ¥ according to its website.

Jim has served as an advocate in many capacities, including as a volunteer member of Snohomish County's 1/10th Sales Tax Board (for Mental Health and Chemical Dependency-á services and programs). In 2008, the Snohomish County Council appointed him as representative to that year's Blue Ribbon Commission on Criminal Justice. He has also given various presentations on mental health and the law, justice and corrections issues at statewide conferences and once at Seattle University.

When asked how Snohomish County is doing in the area of mental health, Jim says he has seen much improvement in recent years, as public officials have become more aware of the issues, are willing to have open conversations and to apportion funds for resources to meet the ever growing needs.

Though no longer president of the organization, Jim continues to lobby, speak, support families and be a strong advocate for those with mental challenges and their families.

Besides his commitment and outstanding work with NAMI and instituting the Socrates Caf+¬, Jim is a member of other community groups, including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (at St. Mary of the Valley Catholic Church), the Monroe Homeless Advisory Group and the Monroe Arts Council.

Jim encourages folks to come and visit him at the Socrates Caf+¬ inside the Monroe Library, 1070 Village Way