PHOTOS: Capito Hosts Roundtable with ONDCP Director in Charleston

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Appropriations Committee, hosted a roundtable on drug enforcement and prevention with Sara Carter, the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). The discussion included a wide range of law enforcement and recovery partners from across the state, including both of West Virginia's U.S. Attorney's.

"It was great to have Director Carter join us today in Charleston," Senator Capito said. "West Virginia has faced the devastating impacts of the drug epidemic for far too long, and conversations like these are critical to strengthening our response. By bringing together federal, state, and local partners, we can continue working toward effective solutions that support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts across our communities."

"It was an honor to join Senator Capito as we work to defeat the drug crisis in West Virginia. I am grateful we could be joined by state and local law enforcement partners, including those from the Appalachia HIDTA, who work tirelessly to keep drugs off our streets, as well as our Drug-Free Communities coalitions who are educating and empowering West Virginian children to live happy and healthy lives," ONDCP Director Carter said.

BACKGROUND:

For years, West Virginia has been considered "ground zero" for the opioid epidemic, with communities across the state experiencing some of the highest rates of overdose deaths and substance use disorder in the nation. Families have been deeply affected, and the crisis has placed a significant strain on local health care systems and law enforcement. While meaningful progress has been made through increased access to treatment, prevention initiatives, and recovery support, challenges remain-particularly with the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Nearly 76% of all overdoses in West Virginia in 2021 were fentanyl related deaths.

Since then, West Virginia's overdose deaths have significantly decreased. The latest data from 2024 showed that West Virginia overdose deaths were at 46.3 per 100,000 - which was a 53% decrease. While these statistics are promising, the state's overall rate was significantly higher than the national average of 24.3 overdose deaths per 100,000.

Photos from today's event are included below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits with guests at a roundtable with Sara Carter, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in Charleston W.Va. on Friday, May 1, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a roundtable with Sara Carter, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in Charleston W.Va. on Friday, May 1, 2026.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosts a roundtable with Sara Carter, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in Charleston W.Va. on Friday, May 1, 2026.

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