@reginalabelle.bsky.social
Professor of addiction policy at Georgetown University. Former Biden and Obama Administration official.
https://substack.com/@reginalabelle?r=h9gu&utm_medium=ios
https://substack.com/@reginalabelle?r=h9gu&utm_medium=ios
Now that the Purdue bankruptcy is over, the federal government will receive a $225 million payment as a result of DOJ’s 2018 settlement w/the company. That $ should not go to the general treasury but should be dedicated for treatment and other health services. apnews.com/article/purd...
Here's what's in the opioid settlement against OxyContin maker Purdue and the Sackler family
A bankruptcy court judge has approved the settlement of thousands of lawsuits against Purdue Pharma, maker of the powerful prescription painkiller OxyContin.
apnews.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Now that the Purdue bankruptcy is over, the federal government will receive a $225 million payment as a result of DOJ’s 2018 settlement w/the company. That $ should not go to the general treasury but should be dedicated for treatment and other health services. apnews.com/article/purd...
This is the same Administration that pardoned the Silk Road founder, an online dark web drug trafficking site linked to 6 deaths.
This is performative, likely illegal, & will do little to stop trafficking. U.S. kills 3 in strike on alleged drug boat from Venezuela, Trump says wapo.st/4nCzbQN
This is performative, likely illegal, & will do little to stop trafficking. U.S. kills 3 in strike on alleged drug boat from Venezuela, Trump says wapo.st/4nCzbQN
U.S. kills 3 in strike on alleged drug boat from Venezuela, Trump says
The president also signaled that his administration was preparing to take military action against Latin American cartels that move narcotics over land.
wapo.st
September 16, 2025 at 11:49 AM
This is the same Administration that pardoned the Silk Road founder, an online dark web drug trafficking site linked to 6 deaths.
This is performative, likely illegal, & will do little to stop trafficking. U.S. kills 3 in strike on alleged drug boat from Venezuela, Trump says wapo.st/4nCzbQN
This is performative, likely illegal, & will do little to stop trafficking. U.S. kills 3 in strike on alleged drug boat from Venezuela, Trump says wapo.st/4nCzbQN
While walking away from anti-money laundering efforts, the Administration is relying more on military tactics in its counter narcotics efforts - a short sighted strategy. www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. kills 11 in strike on alleged drug vessel from Venezuela, Trump says
The attack is a dramatic escalation that coincides with the administration’s growing counternarcotics focus and its intensifying feud with the Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 3, 2025 at 11:29 AM
While walking away from anti-money laundering efforts, the Administration is relying more on military tactics in its counter narcotics efforts - a short sighted strategy. www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
The vast majority of firearms seized in Mexico that can be traced, originate from the US www.nytimes.com/video/world/... www.nytimes.com/video/world/...
Video: Mexico’s Cartels Are Using Military Weapons
Recent attacks on villages in Mexico’s western state of Michoacán reveal the cartels’ growing paramilitary-style power, using drones, I.E.D.s and other weapons of war. Paulina Villegas examines the af...
www.nytimes.com
September 1, 2025 at 12:35 PM
The vast majority of firearms seized in Mexico that can be traced, originate from the US www.nytimes.com/video/world/... www.nytimes.com/video/world/...
Reposted
@reginalabelle.bsky.social will join TFAH on July 30 at 2 PM ET to discuss our Pain in the Nation report. Register today bit.ly/PitN2025Webi...
July 17, 2025 at 2:28 PM
@reginalabelle.bsky.social will join TFAH on July 30 at 2 PM ET to discuss our Pain in the Nation report. Register today bit.ly/PitN2025Webi...
New commentary out from @brookings.edu - always great to collaborate with @holtgrave-health.bsky.social
Progress under threat: The future of overdose prevention in the United States www.brookings.edu/articles/pro...
Progress under threat: The future of overdose prevention in the United States www.brookings.edu/articles/pro...
Progress under threat: The future of overdose prevention in the United States | Brookings
Overdose prevention stands at an important crossroads as the Trump administration and Congress propose and implement policies that endanger recent progress.
www.brookings.edu
July 21, 2025 at 6:46 PM
New commentary out from @brookings.edu - always great to collaborate with @holtgrave-health.bsky.social
Progress under threat: The future of overdose prevention in the United States www.brookings.edu/articles/pro...
Progress under threat: The future of overdose prevention in the United States www.brookings.edu/articles/pro...
Important perspective from Brandon del Pozo about the need for law enforcement to show their faces and identify themselves in a democratic society. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Show Us Your Face
The federal government should prohibit the wearing of masks by ICE agents and require them to properly identify themselves.
www.theatlantic.com
July 7, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Important perspective from Brandon del Pozo about the need for law enforcement to show their faces and identify themselves in a democratic society. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
“He was dirty,” Mr. Musto said of the Salvadoran president. “He was corrupt. And now he’s sitting next to the president in the Oval Office and he’s got prime access to the leader of the free world.” www.nytimes.com/2025/06/30/u...
Trump Vowed to Dismantle MS-13. His Deal With Bukele Threatens That Effort.
www.nytimes.com
June 30, 2025 at 11:30 AM
“He was dirty,” Mr. Musto said of the Salvadoran president. “He was corrupt. And now he’s sitting next to the president in the Oval Office and he’s got prime access to the leader of the free world.” www.nytimes.com/2025/06/30/u...
Reposted
VEASEY: You've credited the 12 steps in your recovery. What's step 4?
RFK JR: Making a fearless inventory
VEASEY: Of ourselves. Do you remember step 12?
RFK JR: We try to help other addicts
VEASEY: Does cutting off treatment from people still suffering align with step 4 or step 12?
RFK JR: Making a fearless inventory
VEASEY: Of ourselves. Do you remember step 12?
RFK JR: We try to help other addicts
VEASEY: Does cutting off treatment from people still suffering align with step 4 or step 12?
June 24, 2025 at 4:15 PM
VEASEY: You've credited the 12 steps in your recovery. What's step 4?
RFK JR: Making a fearless inventory
VEASEY: Of ourselves. Do you remember step 12?
RFK JR: We try to help other addicts
VEASEY: Does cutting off treatment from people still suffering align with step 4 or step 12?
RFK JR: Making a fearless inventory
VEASEY: Of ourselves. Do you remember step 12?
RFK JR: We try to help other addicts
VEASEY: Does cutting off treatment from people still suffering align with step 4 or step 12?
Excellent questioning by Congressman Marc Veasey on HHS’s proposed cuts to SAMHSA. The proposed HHS budget calls for a $500M cut to grant funding for mental health & substance use, cuts that will devastate the nation’s addiction response. youtu.be/jR4VVrIvIOQ?...
'This Isn't A Budget, It's A Death Sentence': Marc Veasey Doesn't Hold Back In RFK Condemnation
YouTube video by Forbes Breaking News
youtu.be
June 25, 2025 at 11:40 AM
Excellent questioning by Congressman Marc Veasey on HHS’s proposed cuts to SAMHSA. The proposed HHS budget calls for a $500M cut to grant funding for mental health & substance use, cuts that will devastate the nation’s addiction response. youtu.be/jR4VVrIvIOQ?...
Reposted
Overdose deaths of Black Bostonians dropped significantly in 2024. Here’s why
www.masslive.com/news/2025/06...
www.masslive.com/news/2025/06...
Overdose deaths of Black Bostonians dropped significantly in 2024. Here’s why
Drug overdose deaths among Black Bostonians fell by nearly 60% last year. It's an achievement to be recognized, but much work remains, community health workers say.
www.masslive.com
June 24, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Overdose deaths of Black Bostonians dropped significantly in 2024. Here’s why
www.masslive.com/news/2025/06...
www.masslive.com/news/2025/06...
Looking forward to this discussion about the Trump Administration’s approach to drug policy on July 8th. Register here for the virtual event: medicine.yale.edu/event/addict...
Addiction Medicine Grand Rounds: The First 100 Days - The Trump Administration and Changes to Addiction Policy
07/08/2025 event : The Yale Program in Addiction Medicine is pleased to welcome Regina LaBelle, JD, as guest speaker for Addiction Medicine Grand Rounds on July
medicine.yale.edu
June 24, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Looking forward to this discussion about the Trump Administration’s approach to drug policy on July 8th. Register here for the virtual event: medicine.yale.edu/event/addict...
By cutting Medicaid and SAMHSA, the “backbone” of the nation’s public health response to mental health & addiction is in danger. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
SAMHSA has fought drug and mental health crises. Now it’s in crisis.
Staff and budget cuts will result in fewer services for people fighting mental illness and addiction, including Narcan distribution.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 19, 2025 at 11:15 AM
By cutting Medicaid and SAMHSA, the “backbone” of the nation’s public health response to mental health & addiction is in danger. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
This Week in Drug Policy
HALT Fentanyl Act Passed and the Importance of Governance
open.substack.com
June 18, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Reposted
BREAKING: The doctor charged with supplying Matthew Perry ketamine before the actor's death will plead guilty to drug charges.
Doctor who helped supply Matthew Perry ketamine will plead guilty to drug charges
A doctor charged with giving Matthew Perry ketamine in the months leading up to the “Friends” star’s overdose death has agreed to plead guilty, authorities said Monday.
bit.ly
June 16, 2025 at 9:55 PM
BREAKING: The doctor charged with supplying Matthew Perry ketamine before the actor's death will plead guilty to drug charges.
The settlement with Purdue includes $850M to settle claims brought by victims. It also doesn’t include a waiver of future claims a/g the Sacklers.
My latest for NPR ✨️ Purdue Pharma, Sacklers reach new $7.4 billion opioid settlement www.npr.org/2025/06/16/n...
Purdue Pharma, Sacklers reach new $7.4 billion opioid settlement
A new $7.4 billion opioid settlement for Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family has been approved by all U.S. states and territories
www.npr.org
June 16, 2025 at 8:35 PM
The settlement with Purdue includes $850M to settle claims brought by victims. It also doesn’t include a waiver of future claims a/g the Sacklers.
How a Generation’s Struggle Led to a Record Surge in Homelessness www.nytimes.com/2025/05/27/u...
How a Generation’s Struggle Led to a Record Surge in Homelessness
www.nytimes.com
June 13, 2025 at 11:31 AM
How a Generation’s Struggle Led to a Record Surge in Homelessness www.nytimes.com/2025/05/27/u...
C-Span is a national treaure that allows an unfiltered look at government. Now more than ever we must save @c-span.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Column | Big Tech stumbles into a big brawl over C-SPAN’s streaming future
A bipartisan Senate coalition is asking YouTube TV and Hulu to add Congress’s favorite station to their lineups.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 12, 2025 at 12:15 PM
C-Span is a national treaure that allows an unfiltered look at government. Now more than ever we must save @c-span.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted
Amazing job by @brianmannadk.bsky.social reporting on youth drug deaths.
Age 20-24 broke the mold, beat fentanyl, returned to 10 yrs prior. Teens coming down, room to go, upstream mitigations needed.
We need more answers on "how". Inside these data lie insights that will save lives. (1/3)
Age 20-24 broke the mold, beat fentanyl, returned to 10 yrs prior. Teens coming down, room to go, upstream mitigations needed.
We need more answers on "how". Inside these data lie insights that will save lives. (1/3)
June 11, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Amazing job by @brianmannadk.bsky.social reporting on youth drug deaths.
Age 20-24 broke the mold, beat fentanyl, returned to 10 yrs prior. Teens coming down, room to go, upstream mitigations needed.
We need more answers on "how". Inside these data lie insights that will save lives. (1/3)
Age 20-24 broke the mold, beat fentanyl, returned to 10 yrs prior. Teens coming down, room to go, upstream mitigations needed.
We need more answers on "how". Inside these data lie insights that will save lives. (1/3)
Reposted
Sarah Stillman investigates a widespread crisis of deaths by starvation in America’s county jails. Most of the victims she identified had been arrested in the midst of a mental-health crisis, often on petty charges tied to their psychiatric distress.
Starved in Jail
Why are incarcerated people dying from lack of food or water, even as private companies are paid millions for their care?
www.newyorker.com
June 10, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Sarah Stillman investigates a widespread crisis of deaths by starvation in America’s county jails. Most of the victims she identified had been arrested in the midst of a mental-health crisis, often on petty charges tied to their psychiatric distress.
Reposted
RFK Jr. wants to Make America Healthy Again. But he's ignoring the country's leading cause of preventable deaths: smoking.
There’s one vice RFK Jr. isn’t talking about
The health secretary, who wants Americans to make healthier choices, rarely mentions smoking.
www.politico.com
June 10, 2025 at 11:20 PM
RFK Jr. wants to Make America Healthy Again. But he's ignoring the country's leading cause of preventable deaths: smoking.
Reposted
Deaths were dropping even faster among young people, with some under-35 age groups seeing a 47 percent drop in fatal overdoses. This is immediate results delivered by Biden-Harris resulting in thousands of lives saved. 3/ www.npr.org/2025/06/10/n...
Drug deaths plummet among young Americans as fentanyl carnage eases
U.S. drug deaths dropped by roughly 40% last year among people under the age of 35. It's a welcome pivot for families and communities devastated by fentanyl.
www.npr.org
June 10, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Deaths were dropping even faster among young people, with some under-35 age groups seeing a 47 percent drop in fatal overdoses. This is immediate results delivered by Biden-Harris resulting in thousands of lives saved. 3/ www.npr.org/2025/06/10/n...
House Rules Committee hearing today on the SUPPORT Act is an example of the shell game of authorizing programs that won’t be funded & can’t be administered w/out staffing. $1B in HHS funding has been clawed back & 20,000 HHS employees have lost jobs-not including Medicaid or other budget proposals.
June 3, 2025 at 9:17 PM
House Rules Committee hearing today on the SUPPORT Act is an example of the shell game of authorizing programs that won’t be funded & can’t be administered w/out staffing. $1B in HHS funding has been clawed back & 20,000 HHS employees have lost jobs-not including Medicaid or other budget proposals.