SWM Lawmaker Speaks At Unite To Face Addiction Rally In Lansing

marywhiteford-2020-5
marywhiteford-2020-5

State Representative Mary Whiteford spoke about her own family this week at the Unite to Face Addiction rally held at the Michigan Capitol. She says she wanted to tell real, personal stories about loved ones who have struggled with addiction to help reduce the stigma that prevents people from getting help.

“I talked to them about my own personal experience,” Whiteford said later. “I had an uncle and an aunt and a 23-yuear-old cousin who all died of addiction throughout my life. So I know it’s important to talk about that, and when you talk about your own personal stories, other people are willing to open up and share their stories. That’s how we reduce stigma.”

Whiteford is chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee. She says as part of the budgeting process, one of her goals is to address obstacles to care. She says she’s heard from a lot of people who did ask for help, found it wasn’t there, and then never came back. She believes the state has worked to provide more addiction intervention early on, and to make sure that additional resources are available.