Kent Reporter

July 26, 2018

By: Barbara Drennen

For decades now, the Pediatric Interim Care Center in Kent has helped thousands of newborn babies who are struggling with the effects of their mother’s drug use during pregnancy. While PICC has been a generous recipient of local support, it has also been a historical target of some in State Government.

Sen. Joe Fain has been a champion for our babies. When the Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, a strong PICC supporter, retired we were concerned that the babies had lost their advocate in Olympia. But before he left, Brad pointed us to a new senator, the youngest in the chamber, and said that he would be our champion. Brad is a Democrat, and this fresh new face, Sen. Joe Fain, is a Republican. I was surprised by this bipartisan faith Owen placed on Joe, but a little concerned that such a newcomer could fight the battles we had been waging for years on behalf of our babies.

We know now that Brad’s faith was well placed. Joe has been a tireless champion for the babies at PICC. He has fought for our funding, attended our fundraisers, helped keep our doors open, and last year passed historic legislation that recognizes PICC as a statewide model in caring for drug-affected newborns.

Joe is the community advocate and bipartisan leader our community needs. While the rest of our nation’s politics sometimes seems to be crashing down around us, Joe’s is a steady and thoughtful hand that brings people together to get things done. This primary election I’m voting for our Sen. Joe Fain, and I hope you’ll join me.

– Barbara Drennen