Upstream Approaches for Labor Trafficking Prevention
Petra Linden, MPH & Elise Nagowski, MBA | September 23 | 10:15-11:15 AM
Topic: Healthcare, International | Knowledge Level: Beginner
Within the last few years, the healthcare field has begun to address human trafficking by identifying and responding to patients who may have experienced trafficking. Innovative work has identified red flags that healthcare providers can look for and training has been developed on trauma-informed care. For the survivors who receive these services, the care can be life changing. In public health, the border of health work extends beyond treatment to also include prevention, like promoting healthy eating and physical activity to prevent diabetes. The same can be done in the area of human trafficking, looking upstream for ways to prevent trafficking from happening, protecting people from the abuse and trauma. One way that healthcare can prevent trafficking is through addressing forced labor in the production of medical supplies, especially in Asia. Labor trafficking is involved in the production of many goods that are used every day by consumers and businesses. Some progress has been made in the apparel and electronics industry regarding forced labor, and healthcare also has a role to play. In response to this need, CommonSpirit Health is developing a program to identify high risk products and work with suppliers to create safeguards for workers to prevent labor trafficking. Other healthcare systems are invited to join this work so that no harm will be done– to either the patients or those who make the products needed for patient care.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide an overview of labor trafficking in supply chains generally
· Describe how the supply chain of healthcare products are also part of this system
· Explain how the healthcare field can address this issue, thereby reducing labor trafficking