The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) expresses its strong support for the President’s selection of Dr. Rahul Gupta as Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)
Given that drug overdose deaths reached an estimated 93,331 in 2020, increasing by nearly 30 percent, or more than 21,000 over the past year, it’s critical that ONDCP is led by a strong and effective leader with a proven track record at tackling the opioid use disorder epidemic.
As West Virginia’s state health officer and Commissioner of the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, Dr. Gupta has a proven track record in leading the state’s opioid crisis response efforts and initiating a number of pioneering health initiatives.
AAAP stands ready to work with Dr. Gupta if confirmed to direct ONDCP and continue our efforts nationwide to address all substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders that further complicate treatment and devastate the lives of individuals, families and communities.
Sincerely,
Kevin A. Sevarino, MD, PhD
AAAP President
