(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today is congratulating Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon on her confirmation last night by the U.S. Senate to serve as assistant secretary for mental health and substance use at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a position in which she will lead the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). She was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve in the role.
Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon has informed Governor Lamont of her intention to resign her position in his administration effective immediately to begin serving in her new role in the Biden administration.
“Miriam has been a trusted advisor to me on some of the leading issues affecting our state and nation right now, especially when it comes to the impact that the opioid crisis is having on our country and the growing mental health needs resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Lamont said. “While she may be leaving our administration to serve as an assistant secretary, I know that her heart will always be in Connecticut, and I’ve already warned her that she’ll continue hearing from me about these critical topics. It also excites me that we have another person from Connecticut – and another Meriden resident, too – serving the White House. I wish her nothing but the best on this exciting new opportunity.”
“It has been a tremendous honor to serve the people of Connecticut as commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and I thank Governor Lamont for entrusting me with this important responsibility,” Commissioner Delphin-Rittmon said. “I am proud of the important work we accomplished together over the last six years promoting prevention, mental health, and substance use recovery and wellness among Connecticut’s citizens. I look forward to receiving updates about Connecticut’s robust behavioral health system of care in my new role as assistant secretary for mental health and substance use with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as we work to reduce the impact of substance use and mental illness on our communities.”
Governor Lamont has asked Nancy Navarretta, deputy commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, to serve as the agency’s acting commissioner until he appoints a permanent commissioner.