In Bismarck, North Dakota, a hometown leader is now shaping a national fight against addiction. Kathryn Burgum, the former first lady of the state, has taken on the role of White House senior advisor for addiction and recovery and was named co‑chair of the Great American Recovery Initiative.
From personal struggle to public service
Burgum’s commitment stems from a deeply personal place. After battling alcoholism for many years, she has now been sober for 24 years. She says her own experience with addiction fuels her passion for helping others break the stigma that often surrounds recovery.
“In DC, I’m doing something I never in a million years thought I would be doing,” Burgum told local reporters. “Over half of our nation is impacted by addiction; every community is impacted and almost every family.”
National focus, local roots
While her new position is a federal appointment, Burgum’s work remains rooted in the concerns of North Dakota families. The state’s prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder, according to the Mental Health Statistics organization, is significantly higher than the national average, underscoring the relevance of her advocacy at home.
Governor Kelly Armstrong has also taken steps in the state, creating a Commissioner of Recovery and Reentry within his cabinet to address addiction locally. North Dakota recently earned a recovery‑friendly workplace certification, reflecting growing statewide attention to the issue.
Hope for younger generations
Burgum is optimistic about the future. “Younger people want to do things with their lives that contribute to helping others,” she said. “I have faith in younger people that they know there is more to life.” She believes that expanding opportunities and reducing stigma will empower the next generation to seek help and support one another.
She emphasizes that the most rewarding part of her work is seeing people regain hope. “That is the most powerful thing about this work is just seeing people have hope again,” Burgum added.
What the administration aims to achieve
The Great American Recovery Initiative, which Burgum co‑chairs, seeks to coordinate federal resources, public‑private partnerships, and community‑based programs to expand treatment access, improve prevention education, and support families affected by addiction.
President Trump’s administration has highlighted addiction as a public‑health priority, directing funding toward evidence‑based treatment and encouraging states to adopt recovery‑friendly policies. Burgum’s role is to ensure those federal efforts align with the lived realities of individuals and families across the country.
Local impact and next steps
For North Dakotans, Burgum’s appointment signals a direct line to the White House on an issue that hits many households. Community leaders hope her presence will bring additional resources, raise awareness, and inspire more statewide initiatives similar to the recent recovery‑friendly workplace certification.
As the administration continues to roll out its addiction‑recovery agenda, Burgum plans to travel across the nation, sharing her story, listening to local concerns, and building partnerships that can turn policy into tangible help for those struggling with substance use disorders.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
