Last month, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) released the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy (PDF), which outlines the Administration’s whole-of-government approach to end the fentanyl and drug crisis in the United States. Key to this strategy is coordination across federal, state and local programs and services in support of two pillars: “a relentless whole-of-government campaign to attack the illicit drug supply and a whole-of-society public health effort to reduce demand and consumption.”
These pillars support efforts in three main areas: defining the threat, supply elimination and public health. ONDCP initiatives are funded through a $44 billion budget and in collaboration with 19 federal agencies and direct grants to state and local agencies.
Strategy Focus Areas
Defining the Threat
The Strategy places a focus on data and intelligence to best understand and communicate across levels of government regarding the impact of drug use in the United States to inform timely responses.
The plan places a focus on:
- Modernizing and integrating public safety and public health data collection
- Leveraging advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze current and anticipated future threats
- Rapidly disseminating actionable warnings and guidance to communities as threats emerge
- Implementing nationwide wastewater testing to obtain accurate, near real-time data on illegal drug use
Supply Elimination
The Strategy also paces an emphasis on the drug supply, from the chemicals that are used to produce illicit drugs to enforcement efforts targeted at cartels.
The plan places a focus on:
- Expanding capacity for detection of illicit drugs, precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment using intelligence-driven technology
- Expanding and formalizing joint operations through the Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) and enhancing border security
- Improving investigation and prosecution of domestically distributed illicit and unregulated substances
- Targeting and dismantling online drug trafficking
- Leveraging intelligence to disrupt cartel activity, target leadership and destroy Transnational Criminal Organizations
- Strategically progressing bilateral counterdrug initiatives and international partnerships to advance U.S. counterdrug priorities
- Expanding participation in trusted trade programs and imposes consequences on designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations that facilitate illicit drug production and trafficking
Public Health
Finally, the Strategy focuses on a comprehensive public health approach to support prevention, treatment and recovery.
The plan places a focus on:
- Enhancing and supporting evidence-based early intervention efforts, education and awareness
- Supporting a national media and education campaign that reinforces a drug-free America as the social norm
- Supporting and enhancing the Federal drug-free workplace program as a model for early intervention and recovery
- Increasing the availability of naloxone and supporting the development of new drug overdose reversal medications
- Establishing a standardized approach to responding and reporting on mass overdose clusters
- Ensuring access to faith-based prevention and recovery programs
- Ensuring treatment for addiction to all types of drugs
- Expanding and enhancing the nation’s peer support services workforce and organizational infrastructure
NLC Resources to Support Local Governments
NLC is committed to supporting communities and their leaders by providing resources, action-oriented solutions and federal advocacy on behalf of local governments as they continue to lead the way in addressing our nation’s substance use crisis.
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