Course offers hospitals new guidelines to treat trafficking victims

Hospitals have a new resource to help clinicians identify and treat potential human trafficking victims, according to Hospitals & Health Networks. Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) has launched a half-hour online course based on research from Massachusetts General Hospital that includes facts and tips on how to address possible victims. CHI Senior Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Colleen Scanlon told the publication that the course was the next logical step in the system's ongoing violence-prevention efforts. The article said that dealing with trafficking victims can require providers to walk a tightrope, as many patients are frightened to admit to their status as victims but assistance from a healthcare provider can be their best shot at freedom. Article