Piedmont the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council VB Williams Consulting and Quest2freedom

New cross-sector collaboration moves beyond awareness training to build lasting protocol and supporting policy and response capacity across the Piedmont system.

Atlanta Ga. (Sept. 23, 2026) - Piedmont, the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), V.B. Williams Consulting, LLC and Quest2Freedom, Inc., announced today a collaborative initiative to strengthen healthcare's capacity to recognize, respond to and support individuals impacted by human trafficking. The initiative will integrate customized education, building protocol and supporting policy development and multidisciplinary response coordination to clinical and non-clinical staff across the Piedmont system.

Individuals experiencing trafficking often seek medical care while under a trafficker's control or during moments of crisis, making healthcare workers uniquely positioned to spot warning signs. The initiative will train emergency medicine, nursing, behavioral health, social work, patient access, security, environmental services and leadership personnel to recognize those indicators and respond consistently, creating new protocols and quality improvement processes designed to outlast any single training session.

"Healthcare 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 helping strengthen healthcare's ability to recognize indicators of trafficking, respond with confidence and compassion and provide pathways to safety for those who need it most."

Jeffrey Oyler, M.D., Piedmont's Chief of Emergency Services said: "At Piedmont, we are committed to continuously strengthening the quality care we provide to every patient. 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."

"Addressing human trafficking requires a coordinated response across healthcare, public safety and community organizations," said Jay Neal, Executive Director of the 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."

Quest2Freedom's readiness model starts with survivor-centered, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, then pairs it with hands-on training, protocol building and supporting policy development and multidisciplinary coordination to deliver change that lasts, not a one-time program.

Human trafficking continues to impact communities across Georgia and the United States, underscoring the importance of coordinated partnerships across healthcare, government, and community sectors. As implementation moves forward, the collaboration is expected to support ongoing workforce development and continuous quality improvement throughout the Piedmont system and serve as a template other health systems and states can adapt.