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<br /> Page 2 of 3 Brandon Loor Intriago
<br /> community-based program focused on access, belonging, and well-being for individuals with
<br /> disabilities and diverse abilities. Through this work, I have seen the importance of community-
<br /> centered, prevention-oriented approaches to health and well-being.
<br /> Together, these experiences have prepared me to contribute a thoughtful, collaborative, and
<br /> community-focused perspective to the work of the Opioid Advisory Committee.
<br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
<br /> I am interested in serving on the Opioid Advisory Committee because the opioid crisis
<br /> represents a critical intersection of mental health, public health, and community well-being. As
<br /> someone preparing for graduate training in mental health counseling, I am particularly
<br /> interested in prevention-oriented and evidence-based approaches that address both individual
<br /> needs and systemic factors such as access to services, stigma, and continuity of care.
<br /> I am motivated to serve in a learning-oriented and collaborative capacity, contributing a mental-
<br /> health-focused perspective while gaining a deeper understanding of how Orange County
<br /> allocates resources and partners with local governments and organizations to respond
<br /> effectively to opioid-related challenges. Serving on this board would allow me to support
<br /> thoughtful, community-informed decision-making that prioritizes health, dignity, and long-term
<br /> outcomes.
<br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
<br /> My participation would contribute a perspective grounded in behavioral health, human
<br /> development, and the experiences of younger adults navigating mental health systems. As a
<br /> student and emerging mental health professional, I bring a viewpoint that emphasizes
<br /> prevention, early intervention, and the importance of addressing opioid-related issues within the
<br /> broader context of mental health, disability, and community support.
<br /> I also value listening and collaboration and would approach this role with openness to
<br /> perspectives from public health professionals, service providers, law enforcement, and
<br /> community members. I believe that integrating a mental-health-informed and prevention-
<br /> focused lens alongside existing expertise can strengthen the committee's ability to make
<br /> balanced, inclusive recommendations that reflect the needs of diverse populations in Orange
<br /> 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 /> Human Relations Commission
<br /> Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
<br /> I am completing my undergraduate degree at UNC-Chapel Hill in Psychology and Human
<br /> Development& Family Sciences, with coursework and applied learning focused on identity,
<br /> mental health, family systems, trauma, and the social factors that shape individual and
<br /> community well-being. My academic background emphasizes how discrimination,
<br /> marginalization, and unequal access to resources affect mental health, belonging, and
<br /> participation across the lifespan.
<br /> In addition to my academic work, much of my experience has been centered on human
<br /> relations, community engagement, and bridge-building within diverse populations. I have
<br /> served as an Orientation Leader with New Student& Family Programs, a Student Ambassador
<br /> with Undergraduate Admissions, and a C-STEP Mentor through the Student Success Center. In
<br /> these roles, I worked closely with students and families from a wide range of racial, cultural,
<br /> socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds, often serving as a first point of contact and
<br /> support within large institutions.
<br /> I have also served in representative and advisory roles, including as a Student Member-at-
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