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37 <br /> Page 2 of 3 Ryan Sheehy <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br /> Beyond my scientific training, I am deeply committed to the health and well-being of my <br /> neighbors. I am excited by the opportunity to use my training and expertise to help my <br /> neighbors. I view public health as the intersection of sound science and shared responsibility. I <br /> am eager to contribute my analytical skills to the Board's work, from environmental health <br /> oversight to addressing substance use and opioid-related harms. My goal is to support <br /> thoughtful, data-driven governance that protects our most vulnerable populations while helping <br /> Orange County remain a leader in effective, forward-looking public health policy. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> My participation would broaden the range of perspectives on the Board by adding a Research <br /> and Development/Basic Science lens grounded in translational science. While clinical <br /> experience is essential to public health decision-making, my background as a PhD-trained <br /> pharmacologist allows me to evaluate emerging evidence at its source by assessing data <br /> quality, biological mechanisms, and long-term implications before findings are incorporated into <br /> clinical guidance. I bring particular expertise in neuro-resilience, toxicology, and <br /> pharmacological impact, enabling thoughtful consideration of how policies affect brain health, <br /> aging, and vulnerability across the lifespan. This perspective would complement existing <br /> expertise on the Board and strengthen evidence-informed, forward-looking public health <br /> governance in Orange County. <br /> Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest <br /> (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? <br /> Opioid Advisory Committee <br /> Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board <br /> Evidence-Based Evaluation of Treatment Modalities: <br /> With a PhD in pharmacology, I bring a high level of technical literacy to the committee's primary <br /> task: reviewing and scoring grant applications for treatment and recovery programs. My <br /> background allows me to critically evaluate whether proposed interventions are grounded in <br /> sound pharmacological science. I can serve as a technical resource for the committee when <br /> vetting the efficacy of new clinical programs like the Lantern Project or the PORT Team, <br /> ensuring that county funds are directed toward the most effective, life-saving strategies. <br /> Intersection of Neurogenesis & Recovery: <br /> My doctoral research on adult neurogenesis provides a unique scientific perspective on <br /> addiction and recovery. Understanding the brain's capacity for repair and neuroplasticity is <br /> essential when discussing long-term recovery outcomes and the biological impacts of sustained <br /> opioid use. This expertise allows me to advocate for harm reduction and recovery supports that <br /> recognize addiction as a complex neurobiological condition, helping to reduce stigma and <br /> promote programs that support long-term brain health and cognitive restoration. <br /> Strategic Management of Public Funds: <br /> I am committed to ensuring that Orange County's settlement funds are utilized with maximum <br /> accountability. My experience in academic research has trained me to manage complex data <br /> and prioritize resources based on measurable outcomes. I am eager to help the committee host <br /> annual community meetings and report back to the public on the tangible impacts of our <br /> investments in prevention and education. <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br /> I'm applying for this committee because the opioid crisis isn t just a research interest for me; it's <br /> personal. Watching my sister struggle with addiction is exactly what pushed me to get my PhD <br /> in pharmacology and study how the brain can heal itself. I've seen firsthand how confusing the <br /> treatment system can be for families, and I want to use my background to make sure Orange <br /> County is spending this settlement money on programs that actually work. I want to bridge the <br />