Episode 9 - High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, Executive Director, Dawn Mertz

Join Dawn Mertz, Executive Director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA), as she leads powerful conversations at the intersection of public safety, prevention, and collaboration.With decades of experience working alongside federal, state, local, and tribal partners, Dawn brings a frontline perspective to the evolving challenges of drug trafficking, substance misuse, and community safety. This podcast explores the strategies, partnerships, and innovations that are driving measurable impact across jurisdictions — from intelligence-sharing and enforcement coordination to prevention and treatment initiatives.Through candid discussions with law enforcement leaders, policymakers, public health professionals, and community stakeholders, Dawn highlights what is working, where we must improve, and how cross-sector collaboration strengthens our collective response.This is more than a conversation about enforcement — it’s a platform for advancing smarter strategies, supporting communities, and building safer futures.