Alex Karambelas,

Substance Use Policy Specialist

Alex is a Vermont-based policy specialist, experienced in advancing healthcare policy within legislative processes and implementing successful public health information and political advocacy campaigns. As a grassroots organizer by trade, Alex's professional goal is to help empower others with the tools, resources, and skills needed to collectively build healthy and vibrant communities.

Alex has gained a deep understanding of the most pressing issues facing Vermonters from her personal and professional efforts. She has worked as the Senior Policy Advisor of the Vermont Department of Mental Health, Regional Director for Senator Bernie Sanders in his 2020 presidential campaign, and the Project Director for COVID Support Vermont, a multi-year FEMA funded grant focused on mitigating the mental health impacts of the pandemic. Alex has also engaged extensively in community organizing efforts over the last ten years, primarily focused on mutual aid, criminal justice reform, racial justice, and harm reduction. Through each of these experiences, Alex has sought to center impacted communities within the planning, development and implementation of policies and programs that affect their lives.

Alex is currently pursuing her Master’s of Public Policy degree at Northeastern University. She has maintained a 4.0 throughout her studies, focusing her research on harm reduction programs and policies that improve outcomes for individuals with Substance Use Disorder. Alex intends to use advanced skills acquired through her degree to inform her policy work in Vermont.