January 9, 2026- This week marks a significant moment for national drug policy leadership. On January 6, the U.S. Senate confirmed Sara Carter as the new Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in a 52–48 vote. Carter, a former Fox News contributor and investigative journalist, will now serve as the nation’s “drug czar,” overseeing the federal government’s drug policy agenda. [1]
Carter’s background includes years of reporting on drug trafficking, cartel activity, and national security issues along the U.S.–Mexico border. During her Senate nomination hearing, she emphasized her firsthand experience covering drug cartels and described the fight against illicit drug trafficking as essential to protecting American communities. She has pledged to strengthen efforts across prevention, treatment, and recovery, stating that educators, faith leaders, community partners, and law enforcement must work together to create a “culture of resilience, where staying drug‑free is the norm.” [1]
A Pivotal Moment for National Drug Policy
As ONDCP Director, Carter will play a central role in shaping federal priorities around reducing drug supply and demand, addressing substance use, and coordinating funding and strategy across agencies. This leadership transition comes at a critical time as the nation continues to navigate the intersecting challenges of overdose deaths, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, gaps in treatment access, and the ongoing need for robust recovery support systems. [1]
Faces & Voices of Recovery recognizes the profound influence ONDCP has on the lives of millions of people impacted by substance use disorder. From expanding recovery support services to integrating lived experience perspectives into policy, the Director’s vision guides how the federal government invests in and responds to community needs.
Commitment to a Recovery‑Ready Nation
At Faces & Voices, we continue to champion a national approach centered on hope, dignity, and long‑term recovery. Regardless of shifts in political leadership, recovery must remain a nonpartisan priority rooted in evidence, compassion, and community partnership.
With Sara Carter stepping into this influential role, we are committed to working with ONDCP to ensure that:
* Recovery support services are fully resourced and accessible
* Lived experience guides federal policy decisions
* Recovery community organizations (RCOs) receive the recognition and support needed to thrive
* Recovery‑ready workplaces, campuses, and communities are strengthened across the country
* Compassionate, person‑centered strategies remain at the forefront of national efforts
These priorities are essential to building a country where recovery is not only possible but actively supported.
A Message from Patty McCarthy, CEO of Faces & Voices of Recovery
“We congratulate Director Carter on her confirmation and stand ready to work alongside her and the ONDCP team. This is a pivotal moment for the recovery movement. Millions of Americans are affected by substance use disorder, and millions more are living in long‑term recovery. Our communities deserve a national strategy that uplifts hope, expands recovery support, and prioritizes the voices of people with lived experience. Faces & Voices of Recovery looks forward to collaborating on solutions that strengthen recovery pathways and build a truly recovery‑ready nation.” — Patty McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer
Looking Ahead
The challenges ahead are complex, but the opportunities are immense. Federal leadership that values strong community partnerships, data‑driven approaches, and person‑centered care can significantly accelerate progress toward reducing overdose deaths and strengthening recovery outcomes nationwide.
As the new ONDCP Director begins her tenure, Faces & Voices of Recovery remains fully committed to working constructively and collaboratively, as we have for many years, to ensure that recovery remains at the heart of national drug policy.
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