(FOX40.COM) – Hundreds of Stanislaus County behavioral health experts and social workers gathered in Downtown Modesto on Tuesday to demand action from city leaders.

The demonstration, organized by SEIU Local 521, was aiming to draw attention to what the union calls an “underinvestment” in mental health services, child welfare, and workplace safety.

“When we feel like we’re not being seen, heard, or valued, it weighs heavy on us because we do absorb this trauma,” said Jody Smith, a behavioral health specialist.

Union leaders said staffing levels have not improved since before the 2008 recession, leaving workers to be overwhelmed by heavy caseloads.

“The state average for a department or thing like us is 1 to 300. We have one person to 492 people,” said Dr. Karyn Clark, the union’s presi

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