Brawley behavioral health campus

Shared how his son died of a fentanyl overdose on Christmas Eve 2022 after falling through cracks, and said Turning Point Ministries stands ready to partner with Behavioral Health.

A former addict from the north end who now runs Smart Recovery, describing the three-hour bus rides and lack of services that keep people from getting help.

A registered addiction counselor in recovery who said she had to leave the county to get help and begged the Board to bring services to Brawley.

A 42-years-sober recovery leader who ran Volunteers of America and has served Brawley for decades; gave the project his full support.

A former Behavioral Health employee who described 5150 crises and boarding care successes in Brawley, urging the Board to do right by the north end.

A 41-year-old in recovery who credited the county SUD clinic with turning his life around and becoming a good father.

Thirteen months sober, she said a north end clinic gives people lost in addiction somewhere nearby to turn things around.

A lifelong Brawley resident who pushed back on cost doubts, noting the building includes a sheriff's substation and would boost Brawley's economy.

One year sober after a decade of homelessness; now studying to become an SUD counselor himself and asked the Board to see addiction as treatable.

Lost her son to an overdose four months ago; four months sober herself, she said a Brawley clinic might have saved him.

A former fentanyl addict who survived five overdoses; said SUD became his family and begged the Board to open services for youth and the voiceless.

A Brawley-raised behavioral health therapist who described losing a childhood client the very morning of the meeting and urged the Board to save lives.

Founder of Reps for Vets and himself a veteran in recovery; said his nonprofit has prevented 28 suicides and asked the Board to vote yes.

Speaking for Senator Padilla's office, placed the Senator's support letter on the record and warned that pausing the project sends a bad signal about the county's readiness for state investments.

A 32-year educator from Brawley who has consoled teachers whose students lost parents to addiction; asked the Board to help break the cycle.