The nation’s drug czar was in southeastern Kentucky Thursday to discuss the battle against opioids, fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. Dr. Rahul Gupta attended a private meeting at the nonprofit Volunteers of America Mid-States recovery center near downtown Manchester in Clay County with Senator Mitch McConnell and other officials. Afterwards, he praised the nonprofit for a successful, multi-tiered approach.
“Recovery is about economic opportunity. Recovery is about housing. Recovery is about food security. Recoveries is about making sure that you have transportation, to get to work.”
Gupta said the nonprofit, which receives federal grant funding, is making a difference.
“Well, clearly, what we see working, of course, is making sure that people who are incarcerated when they're released, not only get the help in getting the treatment, but also recovery.”
McConnell said the federal government needs to do more to stop the flow of illegal drugs at the southern border but did not place all the blame on the Biden Administration. He also pledged continued support for Volunteers of America Mid-States and other successful anti-drug programs.
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