MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WDLB) — State Representative John Nygren addressed the Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth (MACY) on Monday, during an event which was focused on recognizing community partners.
Nygren has championed the HOPE Agenda in the Assembly to fight against opioid addiction, something his daughter, Cassie, has struggled with greatly after becoming addicted to Oxycontin while still in high school.
Nygren said, “The reason why we call it the HOPE Agenda, I remember asking Cassie why, and her answer to me was, ‘Dad, a lot of people my age, we don’t see a lot of hope for the future.’ “
“There are a lot of communities that ignore the challenges that they face. When reality slaps you in the face, or the reality ends up in your house, you could continue to ignore it or you could try to do something about it. Community efforts like this do matter.”
For the past 11 years, the Marshfield coalition has focused on preventing youth substance abuse. The initial focus started with underage drinking and tobacco use, and expanded to prescription drug, marijuana, meth and heroin abuse.
Part of the changes Nygren has helped push through is requiring patients to show identification when they pick up opiates, and the ability to get the heroin antidote Narcan into the hands of first responders.
Nygren’s HOPE Agenda also produced the Good Samaritan Act, which grants immunity from prosecution to those who seek help when someone has overdosed.
“People are more aware. The patient is more aware of what this potentially means to them. Not 100%, but there is definitely a greater awareness that these drugs are addictive and should be respected.”
Nygren and Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch are co-chairs of Governor Scott Walker’s Task Force on Opioid Abuse.
