West Virginia University is uniquely positioned to tackle the overdose epidemic – bringing together academic and clinical experts, laboratory scientists, patient advocates, policymakers and the private sector. As communities across the United States expand and explore solutions, the WVU community welcomed Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, for discussions on addressing addiction.
To start the day, Dr. Clay Marsh, chancellor and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences, led a roundtable discussion with Dr. Gupta focusing on addiction recovery, trauma and mental health along with high-impact policies to address the overdose epidemic. Drs. Marsh and Gupta were joined by individuals from across campus, the local community and the state. Watch a recording of the discussion on YouTube.
Dr. Gupta’s visit also included private tours of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute and the WVU Medicine Center for Hope and Healing where he heard directly from researchers, healthcare professionals and patients.
See the media coverage:
- Gupta returns to West Virginia to talk drug addiction, treatment issues (WV MetroNews)
- Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval – segment starts at 27:15 (WV MetroNews)
- Drug czar visits W.Va. to discuss overdose epidemic (West Virginia Public Broadcasting)
- Officials discuss national and local efforts to address the overdose epidemic (WDTV-TV)
- White House director of National Drug Control Policy visits WV to address the overdose epidemic(WBOY-TV)
- Dr. Rahul Gupta comes to WVU to highlight addiction crisis, research and prevention work (The Dominion Post)
- Gupta, Marsh, Gee field press questions on addiction issues (The Dominion Post)
- ONDCP director meets with West Virginia, WVU leaders to discuss opioid epidemic (WV News)
- Setting course for a better future (WV News)
- WVU holds roundtable on opioid epidemic with university, national leaders (The Daily Athenaeum)
- Dr. Gupta to hold overdose epidemic sessions in Lewisburg in W.Va trip (The (Beckley) Register-Herald)
- Dr. Gupta: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine focuses on real communities, real people, and how to solve problems (West Virginia Press Association)