Atlantic Health System makes strides in advancing awareness of human trafficking
Health care system becomes one of the first companies in US to adopt new training methods for team members
MORRISTOWN, NJ (Morris County) – In an effort to further protect patients and build healthier communities, Atlantic Health System has announced its implementation of the SOAR (Stop, Observe, Ask, Respond) anti-human trafficking training into its team member education system.
The health system is one of the first companies in the nation to work in direct partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) and Technical Assistance Center (NHTTAC). OTIP is a leading voice in preventing trafficking and protecting survivors, by helping them rebuild their lives, and become self-sufficient.
This nationally recognized and accredited training program uses a designed framework to educate and advise health care providers, social workers, public health and behavioral health professionals, and child welfare providers to be able to identify and respond to people who appear at risk, and who are currently experiencing, or have experienced trafficking.
The SOAR training has been developed in collaboration with subject-matter experts in the field, partner organizations, and people who have faced real experiences with trafficking. The free online training is accessible for all team members to complete.
Atlantic Health System has a proud history of supporting anti-human trafficking efforts. In February 2020 Atlantic Health formed a committee to review, develop, and implement policies, procedures, and processes, in the emergency department at Overlook Medical Center (one of eight hospitals across the system). Those efforts have now been implemented at all Atlantic Health System medical centers.
“Upon learning that 87.8% of trafficking survivors reported accessing health care services during their trafficking situation, and of this number, 68% were seen at an emergency department, I knew we needed to arm our team members with the necessary education,” said Armond Kinsey, Vice President, Chief Talent and Diversity Officer, Atlantic Health System. “If our team can better understand how to identify victims, thus being a potential bridge for them to find safety, it became paramount to have the SOAR training accessible to all of our more than 20,000 Atlantic Health team members.”
Earlier this year, Atlantic Health introduced SOAR training as part of the system’s first system-wide policies, offering training for all 20,000 team members, physicians and other caregivers.
The system is continuing to develop and improve trainings and education, with the goal of ensuring all team members will be fully equipped to analyze and identify victims and patients who face health issues derived from human trafficking.
