BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Gov. Doug Burgum has signed an executive order establishing a new office aimed at addiction recovery and treatment initiatives.
Burgum signed the order Tuesday.
Burgum’s wife, Kathryn Helgaas Burgum, will chair an advisory council of up to seven members appointed by the governor that will guide the efforts. The council will include individuals in recovery, and community and tribal leaders.
Helgaas Burgum adopted addiction recovery as her platform as North Dakota’s first lady. Helgaas Burgum says she is a recovering alcoholic and wanted to use her experience to help others.
Burgum spokesman Mike Nowatzki says the office will not use state money. He says it will be funded through philanthropic grants, including from Burgum, who has refused a state salary.
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