End Substance Use Disorder Applauds Appointment of People in Recovery to Federal Leadership Positions

Today, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) appointed people who have experienced substance use disorder and mental health conditions to lead the nation’s recovery efforts. End Substance Use Disorder released the following statement:

“People with substance use disorder can get better and lead lives of meaning and impact. We applaud SAMHSA for appointing Paolo del Vecchio, Dona Dmitrovic, and Larry Davidson to lead the national Office of Recovery,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “Each of these leaders shows that recovery from substance use disorder and mental health conditions is possible. We look forward to the solutions they will build to promote recovery across the country.”

SAMHSA established the Office of Recovery in 2021. The purpose of the office is to lead efforts to support people in or seeking recovery. These efforts can include services such as peer support coaches, access to housing, education and employment support, and other services.

More than 23 million Americans are in recovery from substance use disorder, showing that recovery is possible when people have access to the right supports.