'It takes a lot of work': Deb Haaland puts addiction struggles at center of New Mexico governor bid
First Native American woman to serve as US cabinet secretary candid about history with alcohol as she seeks to tackle billowing public health crisis
TL;DR
- Deb Haaland, former US cabinet secretary, is running for New Mexico governor.
- Her campaign highlights her personal history of alcoholism and 35 years of sobriety.
- Haaland frames addiction as a public health issue, advocating for increased treatment access and funding.
- She criticizes past policies that dismantled the state's behavioral health system.
- Haaland proposes creating a state office of community safety to address substance use issues.
- Her campaign features personal stories from individuals in recovery.
- She also touches on issues like Medicaid rollbacks and federal enforcement actions.