How Piedmont strengthens its response to human trafficking through a new statewide partnership

Atlanta Ga. (October 15, 2026) -Every patient deserves to be seen, heard and cared for with dignity. At Piedmont, that means continuously strengthening our ability to recognize and support individuals facing some of the most complex and vulnerable circumstances, including human trafficking.

Piedmont is partnering with the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), V.B. Williams Consulting, LLC and Quest2Freedom, Inc., on a new initiative designed to strengthen health care's response to human trafficking through workforce education, protocol development, policy support and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Individuals experiencing trafficking often interact with health care professionals while under a trafficker's control or during moments of crisis. Those encounters can create critical opportunities to recognize warning signs, provide compassionate support and connect patients with resources that promote safety and recovery.

Through this collaboration, Piedmont will provide customized education and training for both clinical and non-clinical team members, including professionals in emergency medicine, nursing, behavioral health, social work, patient access, security, environmental services and leadership roles. Beyond training, the initiative will focus on building sustainable protocols, supporting policies and quality improvement processes that help ensure a consistent response across the organization.

"At Piedmont, we are committed to continuously strengthening the quality care we provide to every patient," said Jeffrey Oyler, MD, chief of emergency services at Piedmont. "This collaboration reflects our commitment to equipping our workforce with the knowledge, resources and organizational support necessary to recognize potential indicators of human trafficking and respond in ways that prioritize patient safety, dignity and compassionate care."

That commitment aligns with the expertise being brought to the initiative by Quest2Freedom and V.B. Williams Consulting, organizations focused on advancing survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches to addressing human trafficking. Their work emphasizes building long-term organizational capabilities rather than delivering one-time educational programs.

"Health care has an extraordinary opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals impacted by human trafficking," said Victor Williams, founder and chief executive officer of Quest2Freedom and principal of V.B. Williams Consulting, LLC. "This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to moving beyond awareness and toward sustainable systems change. By combining customized education, protocol and supporting policy development, we can strengthen health care's ability to recognize indicators of trafficking, respond with confidence and compassion, and provide pathways to safety for those who need it most."

The partnership also highlights the importance of collaboration across health care, government and community organizations.

"Addressing human trafficking requires a coordinated response across health care, public safety and community organizations," said Jay Neal, executive director of the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. "By strengthening the knowledge and preparedness of the professionals who may encounter victims, we are better equipped to recognize the signs of trafficking, respond appropriately and connect victims with the services and resources they need."

Human trafficking continues to affect communities across Georgia and throughout the United States, making coordinated action more important than ever. As the initiative moves forward, Piedmont and its partners will focus on workforce development, continuous quality improvement and creating sustainable systems that can strengthen patient care for years to come.

By investing in education, preparedness and cross-sector collaboration, Piedmont is helping build a stronger response for some of the most vulnerable members of the communities we serve, advancing our commitment to high-quality, compassionate care for every patient.