First Lady Melania Trump offered opening remarks on Thursday at a press conference where President Donald Trump declared the opioid crisis in the United States to be a public health emergency.
The first lady appeared alongside her husband where she discussed her continued commitment to taking a prominent role in fighting the opioid epidemic, especially after being exposed to the disastrous effects it can have on children.
"I have been participating in meetings and listening sessions, and I have been visiting with people who have been affected by this disease," Melania said, going on to list the many different interactions she had with families members, friends, and those who suffered directly from drug addiction.
"When I had the honor of visiting Lily’s Place in West Virginia, a recovery center for infants born addicted to drugs, I learned that to help babies succeed, we must help their parents succeed," Melania Trump said. "By placing a priority of the whole family, Lily’s Place is giving infants the best opportunity to thrive because their parents are being given the support and tools they need to succeed."
Melania Trump said she looks forward to working more with these individuals and families and she knows there is a lot of work to do. She referred to the universal impact of the epidemic, mentioning that every state has been affected in some magnitude and anyone can find themselves dealing with this issue.
"This can happen to any of us. Drug addiction can take your friends, neighbors, or your family. No state has been spared and no demographic has been untouched," she said. "Which is why my husband and his administration has dedicated itself to combating this health crisis by using every resource available. I’m so proud to support him today as he sees this commitment through."
The first lady said she looks forward to continuing her work on behalf of the children of America, and hopes everyone will join forces with the Trump administration to fight and end this national public health emergency together.