CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – It has been announced that Governor Jim Justice has appointed Dr. Stephen Loyd as Director of the Office of Drug Control Policy – also known as the ODCP.
Loyd brings to the position experience as an Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine physician and earned a medical degree from East Tennessee State University.
“Dr. Loyd is going to be an incredible asset in fighting the opioid crisis and drug abuse in West Virginia,” said Governor Justice of the new appointee. “His genuine compassion for people struggling with addiction and his drive to improve public health are exactly what we need. West Virginia has a long way to go with our drug challenges, and we are going to continue pulling the rope together to achieve real progress.”
Dr. Loyd has recently served as Chief Medical Officer for Cedar Recovery in Mount Juliet, TN, and has previous experience serving as Assistant Commissioner for Substance Abuse Services for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Use in Nashville, TN.
“I am deeply honored to join the Office of Drug Control Policy. Together, we will continue to advance date-driven, comprehensive strategies to combat substance abuse and improve the lives of West Virginians,” said Dr. Stephen Loyd in a statement. “I want to thank Governor Justice for his trust in appointing me to this role, and I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated team under the leadership of Secretary Persily and continue to make a meaningful impact in West Virginia communities.”
Dr. Mattew Christiansen previously served in the role of Office of Drug Control Policy Director, having left the role following his promotion to State Health Officer with the West Virginia Department of Health in 2023. Assistant Director Rachel Thaxton and Deputy Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders for the Department of Human Services, Christina Mullins have been overseeing management of the OCDP prior to the appointment of Dr. Stephen Loyd to the role of director.
