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    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? Many posit that we determine the majority of our health ourselves by our behaviors and habits: how much we exercise and sleep, what and how much we eat, our stress level, the types and health of relationships we have, our connectedness with our community, drug use and abuse and other similar factors. If we can determine a large part of our healthy, then we should encourage healthy habits. It is better and more economical to stay physically and mentally healthy than to get sick and try and fix it. Thus, it is in both our personal and societal interest to keep people healthy. MORE
    I believe a healthier population, particularly in disadvantaged communities, benefits all Californians. We will give people more healthcare options and reorient the system toward preventative medicine, which costs less, and is more amenable to addressing behavioral health issues. We should expand programs that help the person, not just the disease. Clean living homes, group care, and other environments that can help people to cope and stay clean from drug abuse should be expanded. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? We need to treat behavioral health conditions in a matter of fact matter manner in the same way that we would treat a broken arm. California should not try to lead the nation in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions alone, but instead coordinate with other states and the Federal government to minimize resources spent on marketing the program. It is for more productive to treat people than to run fancy advertisements. I want results and healthy people, not glossy advertisements and brochures. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? Most Certainly. MORE
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    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? As a retired Combat Marine and a Pastor, I’ve walked alongside hundreds of people with behavioral health conditions. These brothers/sisters in arms and members of my community have had to retreat into the shadows for fear of being labeled. This has cause several of my friends to take their lives. I would love if our communities could help break the stigmas associated with behavioral health and partner with those struggling. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? Two major steps would be to (1) educate our communities on the resources available, and (2) increase funding to the resources that could combat these challenges. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? Open and transparent conversations are necessary at all ages and all levels. There are very successful Autism Awareness campaign. I believe the same effort should be placed on behavioral health conditions. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? Absolutely! MORE
  • full q+a
    4 QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
    Why does behavioral health matter? 1 in 4 adults experience a behavior health challenge every year and 1 in 5 children have a diagnosable mental health disorder. The National Institute of Drug Abuse reported this year that 7.7 million adults have co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness. These numbers show that we are all affected by behavioral health — whether it’s because someone themselves is experiencing it or because a family member or a friend is. MORE
    What steps should California take to increase access to care for those with mental illness and substance use challenges? First and foremost, California needs to make sure that every single person in the state has access to affordable and quality health care. That means expanding the services we already offer to as many Californians as possible and fighting back against the Trump administration’s attack on our healthcare. MORE
    How can California lead the way in destigmatizing behavioral health conditions? Mental health awareness and substance abuse education need to be a regular part of routine visits to the doctor’s and we have to encourage open and honest conversations about behavioral health within our own families and close circles. As parents, we need to be honest about our own challenges with behavioral health — being good role models for our children who might encounter such challenges in the future. MORE
    Will you commit to embracing behavioral health as a public policy priority? Absolutely. Prioritizing behavioral health means prioritizing the well-being of my constituents and all of Californians. MORE
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