Briefing on human trafficking highlights AHA-HHS partnership

Rep. Roger Marshall, M.D., R-Kan., today hosted at the Library of Congress a briefing and expert panel on human trafficking and how health care providers can help trafficking victims. Panelists included Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz.; Katherine Chon, director of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Trafficking in Persons; and Cindy McCain, chair of the Human Trafficking Advisory Council at the McCain Institute. Chon highlighted her office’s partnership with the AHA to help educate and increase provider awareness of human trafficking and share innovative strategies for hospitals and health systems developing response programs. She and other panelists shared stories and insights about how hospitals and health systems can help patients who are victims of human trafficking. Participants said many health care leaders and providers are building programs and strategies to respond to the physical and mental needs of trafficking survivors, but noted opportunities to increase leadership awareness, housing solutions, partnerships with law enforcement and education. For information and resources to help hospitals and health systems combat human trafficking, visit www.aha.org/combating-human-trafficking.