What does health care have to do with human trafficking? This week we talk with Olivia Mittel, MD, MS, who is Associate Dean for Medical Student Affairs and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. We discuss how researchshows that a majority of human trafficking victims come into contact with thehealthcare system, which provides an opportunity for healthcare professionalsto identify victims and provide support. Olivia describes efforts to teachmedical students and providers how to use trauma-informed communication withpatients and identify patients who are being trafficked. After listening tothis episode, Olivia’s “One Thing” call to action is for listeners to educatethemselves about the warning signs of trafficking. Review resources forproviders from Polaris, whichoperates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, become familiar with screening toolsto identify trafficking victims, and read the January 2023 Clinical Reportfrom Pediatrics on the healthcare needs of patients who have been trafficked.

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