Robert Childs, MPH is currently a Technical Expert Lead II at JBS International, focusing on providing technical assistance on rural poly substance overdose prevention and response projects. Prior to working at JBS, Robert worked as North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition’s (NCHRC) Executive Director from 2009-2018 and specialized in harm reduction practice, overdose prevention and response initiatives, drug policy advocacy and reform, media affairs, law enforcement assisted diversion (LEAD) and law enforcement occupational safety & drug overdose response. At NCHRC, Robert helped develop and enhance syringe access programs, fentanyl test strip distribution programs, as well as community, EMS & law enforcement-based naloxone distribution programs and LEAD program sites. Robert also directed the campaigns with NCHRC that led to the passage of multiple comprehensive bills, including 911 Good Samaritan, naloxone access, partial syringe decriminalization, biohazard collection, syringe access programs, naloxone funding and LEAD funding. During this time, Robert helped out as a core member of the advocacy team that helped pass Georgia's 911 Good Samaritan and naloxone law and he also helped out with multiple red state campaigns to pass harm reduction legislation. In his current volunteer time, Robert leads a couple harm reduction service projects in SE Tennessee and NW Georgia and helped co-start a forest based middle school called Southeastern Nature School based in the Chattanooga area woodlands. Robert holds a masters in public health from the University of New Hampshire-Manchester and a BA in history from Lewis and Clark College.