Daily Inspiration: Meet Gretchen Bergman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretchen Bergman

Hi Gretchen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve enjoyed many careers in my life (dancer, model, fashion show producer, writer, infant swim instructor) but my most treasured and important role is mother to two sons. They both struggled with addiction to heroin for decades, and I experienced how substance use disorders were being misunderstood and mishandled by our society as a criminal justice issue rather than a public health concern. I felt compelled to speak out to reduce the stigma associated with addictive illness and to promote therapeutic and restorative drug policies rather than punitive measures that exacerbated the problem for the individuals and poured acid on the pain that families were experiencing. So 25 years ago, while still working full-time as a fashion show producer, I started our non-profit organization A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) which has grown tremendously in membership and influence since then, contributing to changing laws, policies and perceptions about substance use disorders.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I had no idea how much our advocacy was needed and how much we would grow, Addiction isn’t a popular issue and it is riddled with stigma, so I have always been pushing the boulder uphill. At long last the harm reduction strategies we have been calling for are being adopted and there is greater public knowledge about addictive illness and compassion for those who struggle with it. Funding is always problematic as our programs and campaigns continue to expand. I started this work with a lot of passion, but without knowledge about the non-profit sector, so the learning curve has always been steep. In order to expand our voices I started a national Moms United to End the War on Drugs national collaborative campaign with shared anti-stigma campaigns. My background in theatre, dance and fashion helped me to create visceral campaigns that could help to promote our message of tolerance, compassion and love.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Last month I received an award for 25 years of Visionary Leadership and building a movement of parents working to reduce stigma, advocating for therapeutic drug policies and promoting strategies that reduce the harm associated with substance use. I also received a proclamation from Mayor Todd Gloria declaring September 21, 2024 Gretchen Burns Bergman day in San Diego. For 15 years I’ve served as Lead Organizer of the national Moms United to End the War on Drugs national collaborative campaign, with representatives in 35 states, creating innovative projects such as Moms Bill of Rights and Empty Chair at the Holiday Table. I’m proud to have taken on the “establishment” and I’m grateful to my two sons for allowing me to tell their stories to legislators, judges, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, the media and the public. They both had tremendous grit and fortitude to find and sustain long-term recovery, and both work as drug and alcohol counselors, speaking with me often about the need for many pathways to treatment and recovery. I’ve written numerous articles, editorials and book chapters and testified at the state capitol in Sacramento, Washington D.C., the United Nations, and before local, national and international health, social justice and drug policy organizations. In 2000 I served as State Chairperson for Prop 36 which passed in California providing treatment instead of incarceration for non-violent drug offenses. In 2014 I testified for a bill that allowed organizations like mine to do overdose prevention trainings and distribute naloxone (a safe drug that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose). Since 2014 our program has received 3217 lives reported saved by reversing such overdoses. In 2016 I was one three signers for Prop 64 in California legalizing and regulating marijuana. I’m proud that my organization has become a beacon of hope and support for those affected by substance use disorders.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Protecting human rights and dignity is at the core of my work. Saving lives is most important. My love for my sons prompted me to begin my advocacy journey and their beautiful recovery journeys inspire me to continue to fight to change policies that promote stigma and prejudice. My younger son now has a baby son who fills my world with hope and love. He exemplifies the wonder of recovery. I still enjoy producing large theatrical fashion shows through Gretchen Productions, as they fill my need for creative expression, and I create innovative events that support my non-profit organization such as our annual Strut for Sobriety! where the whole community comes together to celebrate people in recovery in an inspirational and entertaining way,

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anewpath.org; www.momsunited.net; www.gretchenproductions.org
• Instagram: @newpathnarcanproject
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/anewpathsite
• Twitter: pathnarcan
• Youtube: https://Youtube.com/gretchenbergman