Tracking Federal Addiction Policy: What SAARA is Watching in 2025
Regina LaBelle’s new commentary in the Journal of Addiction Medicine spotlights what’s shifted—and what’s at stake—in federal addiction policy during the opening stretch of the new term. Here’s what SAARA of Virginia is watching:
ONDCP leadership in transition. President Trump has nominated former journalist Sara Carter to serve as director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The nomination is pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Partnership to End Addiction
Six-point ONDCP priorities released. The White House published a brief drug-policy roadmap focused on (a) reducing fentanyl deaths, (b) securing supply chains, (c) tightening border interdiction, (d) prevention, (e) long-term recovery supports, and (f) data/innovation. Implementation details and funding still to come. The White House
Opioid Public-Health Emergency renewed. HHS extended the national emergency declaration on March 18 for another 90 days, preserving flexibilities such as tele-MOUD and mobile methadone vans. American Hospital Association
Proposed FY 2026 budget reductions. The administration’s “skinny budget” would trim more than $1 billion from SAMHSA and reduce several addiction-services grant lines; it also proposes broader health-care cuts. Congress will have final say. WPTZ
Medicaid work-requirement legislation introduced. A House bill backed by the administration would condition coverage for many adults on at least 80 hours per month of work, study, or volunteering. Health advocates warn of potential coverage losses. The Guardian
Why this matters for Virginia: Medicaid and SAMHSA dollars cover the majority of our state’s overdose-response network.
🙌 Shout-out to author Regina LaBelle for the sharp analysis and for keeping the conversation focused on people in recovery.
— Team SAARA of Virginia