ROLE OF THE PHARMACY WORKFORCE IN IDENTIFYING AND CARING FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

To recognize that human trafficking is a significant public health problem in the U.S.; further,

To affirm that the pharmacy workforce has important roles in identifying and caring for victims of human trafficking; further,

To foster education, training, and the development of resources to prepare the pharmacy workforce for their roles in identifying and caring for victims of human trafficking.

Rationale

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) describes human trafficking as a form of modern slavery that "occurs when a trafficker exploits an individual with force, fraud, or coercion to make them perform commercial sex or work." OTIP outlines two types of trafficking: labor trafficking, in which individuals are compelled to work or provide services; and sex trafficking, in which "adults are compelled to engage in commercial sex by force, fraud, or coercion or minors are compelled to perform a commercial sex act regardless of the presence of force, fraud, or coercion."

Combating human trafficking is one of the central goals of the American Hospital Association Hospitals Against Violence Initiative. All healthcare providers have a role in identifying and caring for victims of human trafficking. These roles include recognizing indicators of human trafficking; being aware of common healthcare issues faced by human trafficking victims; providing for a patient’s medical and nonmedical needs while providing a safe and comfortable environment; complying with applicable laws regarding reporting of suspected human trafficking, including child abuse; and providing care and resources for survivors of human trafficking.