We are delighted to announce the newest addition to DanceSafe’s national leadership team: Rae Elkasabany, MSPH (she/her), our new Education Director!

Rae Elkasabany, MSPH, Education Director

Areas of focus: Drug education, drug checking, public health programs

We are delighted to announce that in January 2025, Rae joined our team as Education Director. Rae brings over a decade of experience in harm reduction, drug education, and public health research. She is known nationally for her work developing and leading cutting-edge, community-based drug checking programs using FTIR spectroscopy, colorimetric reagents, and immunoassay test strips. Rae has directed DanceSafe’s FTIR Program, led the organization’s DC Chapter, and developed the Baltimore-based Check It mobile drug checking initiative.

Prior to joining DanceSafe’s leadership, Rae served as a Research Data Analyst at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where she focused on evaluating novel drug checking technologies. She also worked with the Maryland Harm Reduction Training Institute (MaHRTI), where she trained harm reduction staff across the state, developed the Syringe Services Academy curriculum, and collaborated with state health agencies to expand access to harm reduction education and services.

Rae holds a Master of Science in Public Health in Health Education and Health Communication from Johns Hopkins University. Her approach to education and harm reduction centers accessibility, justice, and destigmatization—values that reflect DanceSafe’s mission to empower communities and promote safer experiences for people who use drugs.

A message from Rae:

“I believe education is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight stigma, promote health equity, and build power and resilience within our communities. I’m excited to join DanceSafe’s leadership at a time when compassionate, evidence-based harm reduction is more vital than ever. I look forward to collaborating with our chapters and communities to co-create useful resources, cultivate a culture of learning, and build lasting change.”

Please join us in welcoming Rae to this new role!