Chinazo O. Cunningham

Chinazo O. Cunningham, M.D., M.S., is a Clinical Professor across three departments at Albert Einstein College of Medicine: Medicine (General Internal Medicine), Family and Social Medicine, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She currently serves as the Commissioner of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), overseeing a $1.5B budget and managing over 1,700 addiction treatment programs serving 680,000+ individuals. Previously, she held roles as Executive Deputy Commissioner of Mental Hygiene at NYC Health and Mental Hygiene and has over 20 years of experience in addiction medicine, clinical care, and research.

• Education: M.D. and M.S. degrees (specific institutions not detailed).

Her research focuses on improving health outcomes for people who use drugs, particularly those with HIV, and advancing buprenorphine treatment, opioid use disorder interventions, and harm reduction strategies. She collaborates extensively with community-based organizations and has authored over 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts. Dr. Cunningham’s work emphasizes policy, public health, and integrating clinical care with community initiatives.

Her leadership in addiction policy and treatment systems has garnered national recognition, including awards for mentorship and scientific contributions. She has led federally funded grants and served on advisory committees and guideline panels, shaping national addiction care standards.

Dr. Cunningham’s role at OASAS underscores her commitment to systemic change, budget oversight, and program certification, alongside her academic affiliations and clinical expertise.