End Substance Use Disorder Congratulates Rahul Gupta on his Nomination to Lead the White House’s Drug Policy Office

Today, President Biden nominated Dr. Rahul Gupta to lead the Office of National Drug Control Policy. In this position, Dr. Gupta would lead the federal response to the overdose crisis.

“Dr. Gupta is taking on this responsibility at a time of mourning and suffering for our country,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “Dr. Gupta has worked on the front-lines of the overdose crisis. His experience as a physician and a public health official will help drive the adoption of evidence-based solutions to this national emergency. We applaud President Biden for nominating Dr. Gupta and ask the Senate to confirm him with due speed.”

The Office of National Drug Control Policy coordinates the policy on substance use disorders for all federal agencies, including SAMHSA and the DEA. The head of the office is commonly called the “drug czar” - a term that President Biden coined as a senator nearly thirty years ago.

Dr. Rahul Gupta previously served as the health commissioner of West Virginia and was the top health official at the March of Dimes, which advocates for maternal health. If confirmed, he will be the first physician to hold the role. Dr. Gupta is expected to be confirmed this fall.