EL CENTRO— The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $22 million budget resolution to remodel the county‑owned property at 220 E. Main St. in Brawley and build a campus model to expand access to behavioral health services in Imperial County during the regular board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Support for Behavioral Health Expansion
More than 15 speakers gave public comments in support of the project, some of whom formerly struggled with substance use disorders.
Susan Ireland, who used heroin and alcohol in the past, said she had no available resources in the North End and instead would take three‑hour bus rides to access services in El Centro.
Ireland now works for a recovery organization in the North End and has served people in rural areas for the past 15 years. She highlighted the lack of resources and the need for a local behavioral health clinic to help people struggling with SUDs.
“We do not have enough services, and I don’t get to provide treatment for mental health,” Ireland said. “We don’t have those clinics available for them to come to.”
Cova McNally, a Brawley resident who overcame substance abuse and later became a registered addiction counselor, said she “went so long, deeply addicted, without services.” McNally said she had young children at the time, making it challenging for her to take a 2.5‑hour bus ride to access services in El Centro.
Seven years ago, McNally went to Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, where she received crisis intervention services. After recovering, McNally went on to graduate from SDSU last December.
“We cannot deny that Brawley has a drug problem and problems getting services,” McNally said. “I beg you guys to bring services so that people can have the care and support that they need as humans.”
Dylan Sutter, who is currently attending IVC to become a substance disorder counselor, said that he has accomplished one year of sobriety after 10 years of homelessness and addiction.
“I’ve started to mend relationships with my family, and none of this would have been possible if it were not for things like medically assisted treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy,” Sutter said. “These evidence-based treatment methods are proof that addiction is not just a moral failing, but a preventable and treatable condition.”
Guillermo Hernandez spoke on behalf of State Sen. Steve Padilla, describing the Northern Horizons project as “a rare major behavioral health infrastructure opportunity for the county.”
He said the region faces significant behavioral health needs and added that “projects like this are intended to address existing challenges.”
Board Comments
District 1 Supervisor Jesus Escobar thanked the speakers, describing them as “role models” for overcoming addiction, publicly sharing their stories and championing behavioral health services. District 5 Supervisor John Hawk described the clinic as “a positive thing for the North End” and for the county at large.
District 2 Supervisor Martha Cardenas‑Singh highlighted the significance of “an empty building that is literally rotting away” having the “potential to be a place of healing.”
Chair Peggy Price, who formerly worked with the Department of Social Services, praised the speakers who recovered from addiction and chose to advocate for those currently struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.
District 4 Supervisor Ryan Kelley also expressed his support for the project, citing a passage from the book of James in the New Testament, which teaches that Christians are to care for their neighbors’ practical needs. After the supervisors’ comments, the board voted to approve the item 5‑0.