JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Earlier this year, first lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum made it known that she was a recovering addict.

In her plans, first lady Burgum wants to work on the social stigma surrounding addiction. Her drive comes from the fact that she herself struggles with what she refers to as a “chronic disease.” Burgum has been in recovery from alcohol addiction for 15 years now.

The University of Jamestown Convocations Committee will be hosting Burgum as she shares her experiences with addiction on March 27th. Committee member Teddi Jo Paulson.

Dr. Richard Walentine is also on the committee. He says the prominence of addiction has meant that many have been affected by it in some way shape or form.

Burgum will be speaking at 7 PM in the Denault Auditorium at the Reiland Fine Arts Center. The event will be free to the public.

Governor Doug Burgum has stated in the past that he would like to see money used for addiction treatment rather than locking up people with drug problems.