Ending Stigma of Addiction

Lawmaker honored for giving back to community

5/16/2022

Rep. Tawna Sanchez, a Portland lawmaker and Native American leader known for advocating for children and families, has been honored for sharing her own story of recovery and for her work giving back to the community in meaningful ways.

Sanchez represents inner north and northeast Portland in the state Legislature. She recently received the annual Freedom award from Fora Health, formerly known as De Paul Treatment Centers, to recognize community members who foster healthy communities with outspoken support for addiction treatment access and quality.

Sanchez, a long-term recovery patient herself, has been a behavioral health champion in the legislature for years and, with a personal understanding of the direct impact funding has on a patient, recently helped lead Oregon’s historic investments to support those who struggle with addiction and mental health conditions.

Fora Health also presented Sen. Katie Lieber and Rep. Rob Nosse with Spirit of Recovery Advocacy Awards for their legislative leadership and work as behavioral health champions.