The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse urges President-elect Biden to address the Substance Use Disorder crisis in America as a public health issue. There is a critical component law enforcement has to play but leading with a public health strategy is imperative to save lives, restore families, strengthen communities, develop a stronger workforce, and to build back better.
The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse calls on President-elect Biden to reprioritize of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), including the elevation of the Director to Cabinet-level.
President -elect Biden spoke in support of this provision in 1988 and in 2001. President-elect Biden was right in both 1988 and 2001 and it’s the right thing for America now, especially as the Substance Use Disorder epidemic continues to grow, during COVID-19.
The over 26 million Americans in recovery need a strong ONDCP to lead our government’s efforts to reduce drug use, provide for treatment, and support peer led recovery programs. An ONDCP with the budget, authority, and stature to make a difference during these difficult times is essential in a post COVID-19 America.
More than 76,000 people died of a drug overdose between April 2019 and April 2020, according to the most recent preliminary federal data, the most ever recorded during a 12-month period. Federal health officials say the drug crisis has only been amplified by months of social isolation, high unemployment and the diversion of resources to combat the virus. Addiction is real, COVID-19 is real, and recovery is real.
For Additional Information:
Jeff Breedlove
404-615-5735
