Pioneering drug policy in the Netherlands, Portugal and Brazil
Schedule
Fri Jun 12 2026 at 10:00 am to 11:30 am
UTC-04:00Location
George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs | Washington, DC
Institute of Current World Affairs fellow Rowland Robinson describes two years researching models for the US, and joins an expert panelAbout this Event
Rowland Robinson has spent two years traveling across the Netherlands, Portugal and Brazil investigating progressive policy and integrative health care approaches to problem substance use. He’s spent time with people who use drugs as well as harm reduction workers on the streets and in care facilities, speaking to policymakers in the corridors of power and experts at international conferences during his remarkable fellowship. He’ll report about his findings and their lessons for the United States.
Following his talk, Rowland will join a panel with experts Maritza Perez Medina, Gordon Smith and Jon Heppen (moderator) to discuss wider implications of his research.
This event will be livestreamed. Please register to receive a Zoom link ahead of the discussion.
Panelists
Rowland Robinson spent two years investigating integrative health care approaches to problem substance use in the Netherlands, Portugal and Brazil to better understand public health policy and practices. Rowland was most recently a legislative assistant for US Senator Angus King and an opioid response project manager for the state of Maine.
Gordon Smith was appointed by Maine Governor Janet Mills as the state’s director of Opioid Response in January 2019. Previously, he was since 1993 executive vice president of the Maine Medical Association, where he began as general counsel in 1981. He was chairman of the American Society of State Medical Association Counsel, a nationwide group of attorneys representing medical associations, and has served on many other boards.
Maritza Perez Medina is director of the Office of National Affairs at the Drug Policy Alliance in Washington, DC, where she leads the organization’s federal legislative agenda and strategy to end the drug war. She led the national coalition that successfully pushed for the passage of the MORE Act in the US House of Representatives in December 2020 and April 2022, marking the only times in history a congressional chamber voted to deschedule marijuana. She also serves as president of the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia.
Jon Heppen is a policy adviser for health care and public health policy. He previously led policy work for US Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) on the House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee. He has nearly a decade of legislative experience on Capitol Hill and in government affairs work.
About ICWA
The Institute of Current World Affairs advances understanding of global societies by sending outstanding young professionals abroad on two-year independent writing fellowships to study countries, regions and globally important issues. Many have become leading experts on international cultures and affairs.
ICWA nurtures the kind of deep knowledge future generations will need to ensure America’s role in the world is informed by wisdom, foresight and compassion.
Where is it happening?
George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs, 1957 E St. NW, Washington, United StatesUSD 0.00
