The past five years have been a period of transformation, changing how San Diego County treats San Diegans struggling with mental illness, substance abuse and homelessness.
Now, a leading figure behind that transformation is stepping down. Luke Bergmann is the outgoing director of behavioral health services for San Diego County.
Bergmann joins Midday Edition on Wednesday to talk about the current state of mental health services, how it will be affected by budget deficits and what led to his decision to leave the role.
Then, we sit down with Cathryn Nacario, the CEO of the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), to talk about how the organization's programs serve the community and the upcoming fundraiser that helps support those programs.
Guests:
- Luke Bergmann, former director of Behavioral Health Services for San Diego County
- Cathryn Nacario, CEO, NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties
Resources:
- NAMI's Warmline: 619-295-1055, available seven days a week 3:30 p.m.-11 p.m. (except major holidays)
- Behavioral Health Services, county of San Diego