End Substance Use Disorder Commends Anne Milgram on Her Confirmation to Lead the DEA

Today, the United States Senate confirmed Anne Milgram as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), a department that plays a critical role in addressing the overdose crisis. The swearing in took place after the United States Senate confirmed Milgram’s appointment.

“The DEA can save lives from overdoses and help end the substance use disorder crisis, and we applaud Administrator Milgram for committing to public health solutions to keep our communities safe,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “We look forward to working with Administrator Milgram to ensure that people with substance use disorder receive treatment, in place of arrest and incarceration, to help them heal.”

The DEA has an important role in stopping the overdose crisis. The DEA can determine how to enforce the drug laws in the United States and can reduce barriers to lifesaving treatments, like the overdose prevention and recovery medication, buprenorphine. Administrator Milgram has the opportunity to help end the pain and suffering of substance use disorder wrought on our nation through common-sense solutions that can prevent and treat substance use disorder and support recovery.

Anne Milgram was previously the attorney general of New Jersey. As the Washington Post has reported, Milgram has been critical of the criminal justice system and led reforms in Camden, New Jersey to overhaul policing.