Politifest 2025 | What should we do when people with addiction or mental health issues refuse help?
What should we do when people with addiction or mental health problems refuse treatment?
Helping people who struggle with addiction, mental illness and other behavioral health problems is one of San Diego’s biggest challenges. We’ll hear potential solutions from a harm reduction advocate, the leader of a sobriety-based shelter network and the city of San Diego’s chief behavioral health officer.
Tara Stamos-Buesig
Founder and CEO, Harm Reduction Coalition San Diego
Dr. Aaron Meyer
Behavioral Health Officer, City of San Diego; Asst. Clinical Prof. of Psychiatry, UCSD
Paul Armstrong
Chief of Staff, SVP, San Diego Rescue Mission, San Diego Rescue Mission
Jim Hinch
MODERATOR – Reporter, Voice of San Diego