Human Trafficking Prevention
Hospitals are on the front lines of the battle against human trafficking with training that helps identify the signs of trafficking, provide support, and connect survivors with resources.
Are you or someone you know a victim of human trafficking?
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that occurs every day in the United States, including in Maryland. In 2021, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center identified 751 substantiative reports of human trafficking, with Maryland having the 13th highest signal volume in the country. Of these reports, 279 came directly from trafficking survivors and only 16 came from medical professionals.
If there is immediate danger, call 911.
BeFree Textline
Text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE)
Confidential, 24/7
National Human Trafficking Hotline
1-888-373-7888 (TTY: 711)
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
Training Resources
Research shows survivors of human trafficking often seek medical care while they are being exploited. One study found 81% of domestic minor sex trafficking survivors interacted with a medical provider the year prior to their identification and referral to service providers. With training, health care providers are uniquely positioned to recognize the signs of trafficking, provide support, and connect survivors with resources in the community through victim service agencies. Hospitals are on the front lines of the battle against human trafficking.
The Human Trafficking: Guidelines for Health Care Providers builds upon the work of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force’s medical subcommittee, which created the state’s first protocol in 2015. The updated guidelines have been crafted by MHA, the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force and the University of Maryland Safe Center for Human Trafficking Survivors to reflect current national best practices, promote the use of trauma-informed care, and address human trafficking from a multi-disciplinary response. These guidelines are intended to equip caregivers and hospitals with accessible tools to help meet the needs of the survivors that access the health care system every day. Additional resources are provided by local, state, and national organizations. The guidelines and resources will continue to be updated as new research and best practices become available.
For more information about how your hospital can establish a response for human trafficking or to submit your own resources to share on this page, please contact MHA.
Forced Labor in Health Care Supply Chains – Resources for Hospitals
In response to the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, there is a national focus on ensuring supply chains are free of forced labor, including health care supply chains. In 2023, the American Hospital Association, in partnership with Jones Day Law Firm and HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, Linkage) Trafficking, hosted a regional convention for hospital leaders. Many resources are available to help hospital leaders identify and prevent forced labor of goods and services in health care supply chains.
Maryland Human Trafficking Training for Health Care Providers
The University of Maryland Support, Advocacy, Freedom, and Empowerment (SAFE) Center for Human Trafficking Survivors will provide free training to hospital staff on human trafficking prevention and identification. Contact Sophie Aron, research and program coordinator to learn more.