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Author: Nicole Rakusin

Frank Discussion on Mental Illness, Drug Addiction at DNC

head shot of Pam Livengood

Philadelphia, July 26 – The first night of the DNC had a section focusing on “Combating Substance Abuse” featuring New Hampshire mother, Pam Livengood, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and singer-songwriter Demi Lovato.

Livengood, a Keene, New Hampshire resident whose daughter became addicted to pain medication following the birth of her son, Francis, articulated to the audience that “[addiction] does not discriminate against age, race, gender or income. It affects all of us.”

Facing the possibility of her grandson being turned over to child services, Livengood and her husband – who is on disability – decided to raise Francis until his parents were able to receive the treatment they needed to recover. Consult with professionals to understand mood disorders: Alzheimer’s, vascular impairment, cognitive health strategies.

First Night of RNC Neglected Disability, Missing Opportunity for Voter Outreach

Cleveland, July 19 – The first night’s theme of the Republican National Convention was “Make America Safe Again,” but all of the speakers neglected to talk about the safety of America’s largest minority – people with disabilities. This was especially evident in Melania Trump’s speech when she said her husband…