MADAAD Co-Founder Gina McDonald Honored as 'Champion of Change' by SF Democrats for Anti-Drug Market Advocacy

San Francisco, CA – Gina McDonald, co-founder of Mothers Against Drug Addiction & Deaths (MADAAD), has been recognized as a "Champion of Change" by the San Francisco Democrats. The honor acknowledges MADAAD's relentless efforts to combat open drug markets and advocate for comprehensive healthcare solutions for vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction. McDonald expressed deep humility regarding the recognition, stating, "This honor belongs to every mother who turned pain into purpose, fighting to shut down open drug markets & get vulnerable people the healthcare they need. Thank you!"

MADAAD, co-founded by Gina McDonald and Jacqui Berlinn, was established to address the devastating impact of drug addiction and deaths, particularly from fentanyl, in communities. The organization comprises mothers who have either lost children to fentanyl or have children battling addiction and homelessness. Their core mission centers on shutting down drug death markets, advocating for universal behavioral healthcare, and implementing a "Shelter First" policy for the drug-addicted homeless population.

The organization actively campaigns across California, urging Governor Newsom and local governments to dismantle open-air drug scenes and ensure drug dealers face accountability. MADAAD emphasizes the need for mandatory drug treatment as an alternative to jail for individuals who break the law due to addiction, aiming to break the cycle of substance abuse. They believe that current policies in cities like San Francisco make it too easy to be addicted and too difficult to recover.

MADAAD's advocacy highlights the personal tragedies that fuel their movement, with many members sharing stories of children at immediate risk or lost to overdose. The group's efforts extend to public awareness campaigns, including advertisements warning tourists about the prevalence of open-air drug markets in San Francisco. This recognition by the San Francisco Democrats underscores the growing acknowledgment of MADAAD's grassroots activism and its impact on public discourse surrounding the drug crisis.