Stacy Johnson from Grand Forks, North Dakota, was recently crowned Ms. Wheelchair North Dakota, becoming only the second woman to receive the title in the state’s history. Johnson is using her platform to advocate for specialized mental health services, suicide awareness, and support for people living with disabilities.
Johnson became paralyzed from her neck down in June 2020 following a motorcycle accident while riding with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, of which her husband is a member. After her injury, Johnson initially feared she would lose her employment, believing that spinal cord injuries meant permanent job loss and disability. However, her workplace, Altru Cancer Center, restructured her desk to accommodate her wheelchair, allowing her to continue working in her normal capacity. This experience revealed to her that many people with spinal cord injuries do not realize they can continue employment after their injuries.
Johnson’s advocacy platform addresses gaps in research and services for people with disabilities. She noted the lack of available data: “Why is there limited data? Since 2021, I mean if you look for studies, a lot of them don’t start till 96.” She emphasizes that mental health and suicide prevention services for the disability community require greater attention and resources. Johnson stated: “I think that we’re important. I think that you know we matter. And that there are things that definitely need to be addressed.”
While the platform has pushed Johnson into the public eye, she has found the experience transformative. “I feel better about talking about myself. I feel more confident in myself and my platform, and being in this wheelchair. I think I’ve opened up a lot more than I ever would,” she said. Currently, Johnson is fundraising to compete at the national competition.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.kvrr.com/2025/04/25/ms-wheelchair-north-dakota-is-advocating-for-specialized-mental-health-and-suicide-awareness-for-people-with-disabilities/