Gupta visits WVU Medicine – Thomas
Memorial Hospital for a tour of their new intensive care and in-patient pediatric units . Photo by Office of
National Drug Control Policy . under the president ’ s executive order , we have sanctioned more than 300 individuals and entities involved in drug production and trafficking , cutting them off from the U . S . financial system , including cartel leaders , their enablers and facilitators and chemical companies , especially in China .
WVE : What motivated you to focus on the opioid epidemic during your tenure as director of the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health ?
RG : It was clear to me we had among the highest rates of overdose deaths in the nation , and we also had several challenges related to it . This included building the workforce we needed to address our economy , finding placements for foster kids and addressing our aging population , as well as the limited opportunities for young people in terms of health and economic opportunity . I worked with the governor , Legislature and other leaders from the education , business and the faith communities and so many others to help move us all in the right direction .
WVE : As the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy , how are you advocating to address the overdose death rate in West Virginia ?
RG : The work outlined in the 2022 and 2024 National Drug Control Strategies has defined and directed our nation ’ s path forward in beating the drug crisis as well as the historic levels of funding that have come from the federal government . West Virginia has utilized this funding to expand naloxone distribution , improve access to treatment — including telehealth and virtual treatment — and harness the power of recovery for Mountaineers . At the same time , we also have incredible law enforcement officers working together through the ONDCP ’ s grant program and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas ( HIDTA ) Program . With support from ONDCP , the Appalachia HIDTA is working at the federal , state , tribal and local levels to stop drug traffickers and keep as many drugs out of our state as possible . Additionally , preventing youth substance use before it even starts is critical , and many schools across West Virginia are engaged in prevention programs . Finally , the state is leading in recovery programs . I recently visited the state and saw 14 businesses had signed up to become recovery-ready businesses , which means helping people in recovery stay in recovery through employment and having a chance to be a part of the community .
WVE : Can you discuss the importance of funding addiction treatment programs for incarcerated individuals ?
RG : On any given day , there are around 2 million Americans incarcerated , and two-thirds have a substance use disorder . People reentering society die at unprecedented rates from a drug overdose , especially in the immediate days and weeks after they ’ re released . Others are often re-incarcerated with society paying the costs .
We had a significant opportunity to not only save lives but also improve the ability for individuals to be successful after leaving incarceration , find employment and stay out of jail .
We made it easier for states to use Medicaid funding to treat people for addiction before leaving incarceration , which is going to save thousands of lives .
WVE : As the inauguration of a new president approaches in January , what are the plans for transitioning your position to the next director ?
RG : Smooth transitions from one presidency to the next are a core part of our democracy . ONDCP ’ s lifesaving work must continue regardless of the administration change . Therefore , I am committed to a world-class transition to the new administration . ONDCP is filled with incredible experts and professionals , and they are ready to quickly and effectively support the next group of leaders . •
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