The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) congratulates James W. Carroll upon his swearing in as the Director of the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), our nation’s “Drug Czar.” The swearing-in was conducted Jan. 31 by Vice President Mike Pence in the White House. APhA’s CEO Thomas E. Menighan, who attended the swearing-in, said “America’s pharmacists support ONDCP’s efforts to curb the opioid crisis.” Shortly after the ceremony, Director Carroll announced the release of the National Drug Control Strategy which is comprised of three fundamental elements – prevention, treatment and recovery, and reducing availability. APhA’s members have been on the frontlines in the fight against prescription drug abuse and misuse from the early onset.

Menighan issued the following statement:

“APhA is eager to collaborate with ONDCP and newly confirmed Director James Carroll in the fight against the opioid crisis. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act provides for several different roles for the ONDCP Director, including the release of a National Drug Control Strategy, among other programs and initiatives. We appreciate Director Carroll’s and ONDCP’s commitment to curbing the opioid crisis. We believe pharmacists, the medication expert on the care team, can serve increasingly meaningful roles to address opioid misuse, abuse and treatment. Better utilizing pharmacists in team-based approaches to patient care is essential to meeting our country’s needs for quality and accessible health care, and help reduce the impact of this crisis on American families.”