First Lady Donna Walker will recognize a Juneau woman for her efforts to help end heroin addiction in the community.
Michele Stuart Morgan, the founder of “Juneau – Stop Heroin, Start Talking,” is among 12 Alaska volunteers Walker will recognize during the 2016 First Lady’s Volunteer of the Year award ceremony.
Morgan organized community members and policy makers to identify strategies to address heroin addiction, prevention and treatment. She also advocated for Senate Bill 23, which was signed into law last month and allows doctors and trained bystanders to prescribe and administer naloxone, a drug intended to counteract the effects of opioid overdose.
Winners will be honored during a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. today at the Governor’s Mansion.
More than 90 Alaskans from around the state were nominated for the awards, according to a press release from Gov. Bill Walker’s officer. Recipients were chosen by the First Lady and members of the selection committee.
First Lady Bella Hammond began the annual recognition in 1975. The ceremony recognizes Alaskans who have displayed an extraordinary personal commitment to volunteer service, and have made a major impact on their community or state.
