Healthcare and Human Trafficking Prevention

Using training developed by the Academy of Forensic Nursing in collaboration with human traffic survivors, heath care leaders and the Safe House Project, MedQuest College has become the first school in the nation to incorporate HOPE victim identification education into its curriculum for everyone.

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month which makes the roll out of this new program even more meaningful.

What is human trafficking and who does it impact?

According to the Department of Homeland Security:

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States.

It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations.

What is the link between healthcare and human trafficking prevention?

Human trafficking can happen anywhere and at any time – and everyone has a duty to know how to spot a potential victim. Large organizations – like schools, companies and hospitals – have a platform, community engagement and funding to facilitate meaningful change.

MedQuest is training healthcare workers that work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, skilled nursing facilities and more around the state, region and nationwide. The inclusion of training for healthcare workers on how to spot, report, and prevent trafficking gives a voice to those without one.

How is MedQuest College implementing this education?

Students are taught the how and why of healthcare at MedQuest.

“The addition of this training has the potential to save thousands of lives,” said Robin Boughey, Executive Director at MedQuest. “We’re proud our graduates will be equipped to identify potential human trafficking victims, give support and offer resources.”

The Healthcare Observations for the Prevention and Eradication of Human Trafficking Training (HOPE) includes survivor stories, subject matter experts and education to hone detection skills for identifying potential trafficking victims.

All MedQuest students take part in this training as part of their coursework – and all faculty are trained, too – as many of them work in the field in addition to being instructors.

Many MedQuest graduates work at Norton Healthcare. “HOPE training for MedQuest students is a tremendous asset. We see dozens of people in our offices every day,” said Miranda Aebersold with Norton Healthcare in Shepherdsville. “Our employees will have the necessary training to help identify, support and offer resources to potential victims of trafficking,” Aebersold added.

MedQuest is proud of the difference it plays in healthcare and human trafficking prevention.

MedQuest College

The career training programs offered by MedQuest College are designed to prepare students for successful careers in healthcare.

MedQuest College offers six programs to help students find their career pathway in medicine. Practical nursing, dental assisting and medical assisting can be completed in less than a year and put graduates to work in medical settings in just a few months. Medical equipment repair, sonography and the veterinary technician program require more training and take two years to complete.

If you have questions or want more information about MedQuest faculty and staff, financial aid, career services for students or want general information, click to request information or schedule your virtual tour. MedQuest College knows the importance of healthcare and we’re here to help.