#United States #Washington #National Safety Council #Sara Bailey #Drug Control Policy

National Safety Council Welcomes Sara Bailey as Drug Czar

On January 7, 2026, the National Safety Council (NSC) made an important announcement regarding the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Sara Bailey as the new Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The NSC congratulated Bailey on her new role, which is particularly significant given the current national landscape of drug overdoses and impaired driving.

Lorraine Martin, the CEO of NSC, expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) on vital safety initiatives. The NSC has long been dedicated to mitigating the crisis of drug overdoses, which claimed over 80,000 lives in 2024 alone, primarily due to opioids. This staggering figure highlights that the likelihood of dying from an opioid overdose now surpasses that of dying from gun violence, vehicular accidents, or suicide—an alarming statistic that underscores the urgency of effective drug policies.

The NSC has been proactive in addressing workplace safety regarding substance use and mental health. Through its Recovery Ready Workplaces initiative, the organization has encouraged employers to adopt comprehensive mental health programs and ensure accessibility to opioid overdose reversal medications. As Bailey steps into her new position, these ongoing collaborations are expected to flourish, particularly in efforts to expand educational resources and research on overdose prevention.

The issue of impaired driving also remains a top concern for the NSC, which advocates for zero roadway fatalities by the year 2050. Crashes due to intoxicated driving contribute to thousands of deaths annually, making it a pressing public safety issue that Bailey will face as drug czar. By engaging in research and advocacy, the NSC aims to remove the dangerous driver impairment that often accompanies substance use.

Adding another layer of complexity to her new role is President Trump’s recent executive order aimed at expediting the cannabis rescheduling process. While reclassifying cannabis as a less hazardous substance could open doors to essential safety research, the NSC warns that this must go hand in hand with preventative measures to curb fatalities related to cannabis impairment.

For over 110 years, the National Safety Council has stood as a premier nonprofit organization dedicated to safety advocacy in America. The NSC’s mission focuses on alleviating the leading causes of preventable deaths and injuries both in workplaces and on the roads. By fostering a culture of safety, the NSC not only aims to protect individuals at work but also endeavors to enhance the well-being of communities across the nation.

As Sara Bailey embarks on this critical mission, the spotlight will be on her strategies and partnerships that could significantly impact U.S. drug policies and road safety initiatives. The NSC remains committed to supporting these efforts, striving for a safer future where preventable fatalities are dramatically reduced.