Brian Heyman appointed to LA County Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs

DOWNEY — Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has appointed Downey resident Brian Heyman to serve on the county’s Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs.

“Brian has walked the same path that so many Veterans and their families are on — and he knows how hard it can be to get the help you need,” said Hahn. “His courage, personal experience, and compassion will make him an incredible advocate for veterans in recovery, and I am grateful for his willingness to take on this new role in this commission.”

Heyman is a Vietnam veteran and former firefighter, and brings “both professional and deeply personal experience to the Commission,” Hahn said in a press release. After being diagnosed with PTSD connected to his military service, he entered recovery from alcohol use disorder through a 12-step program and has maintained 43 years of continuous sobriety.

He has since dedicated his life to helping other veterans and community members navigate substance use and mental health challenges, Hahn said.

Recognizing that veterans are among the least likely groups to seek care for substance use, Heyman has been an advocate for increasing access to recovery services. He completed formal training as a VA-certified Peer Support Specialist and worked with the LA County Department of Mental Health in the Veterans Peer Access Network. He also serves as a Trustee of the Downey Cemetery District.

“I’m honored to serve Supervisor Hahn and the residents of Los Angeles County, particularly fellow Veterans and their families along their own paths to recovery,” said Heyman.