RWJBarnabas Health Marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Care team members at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus show their support for Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

West Orange, NJ, January 10, 2025 - January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and RWJBarnabas Health is once again committed to raise awareness of this pervasive issue that affects millions worldwide, including individuals in our own community. As one of the country's most densely populated and economically vibrant states and with its proximity to major metropolitan areas such as New York City and Philadelphia, New Jersey presents a unique landscape for traffickers to exploit vulnerable populations.

Trafficked individuals often seek medical care but may not disclose their circumstances due to fear or manipulation. Recognizing the crucial role healthcare providers play in recognizing and assisting these individuals, RWJBarnabas health is committed to fostering a safe environment where trafficked individuals and survivors can receive the care they need.

RWJBH has developed a systemwide Human Trafficking Response Collaborative that is part of a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Administration for Children and Families Office on Trafficking in Persons. This multidisciplinary team in partnership with subject matter experts is rolling out the SOAR (Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond) to Health and Wellness Training demonstration program. This initiative is aimed at empowering employees with the tools to identify and respond to potential cases of human trafficking. The program emphasizes a structured approach to recognizing the signs of trafficking and taking appropriate actions to assist trafficked individuals.

Additionally, with support from a grant focused on Ocean county, the RWJBH Institute for Prevention and Recovery is providing education to community-based organizations and businesses on human trafficking. These events aim to educate community members to recognize and respond to trafficking in their neighborhoods.

"Hospitals and health systems play a critical role in recognizing and supporting trafficked individuals, as it's estimated that more than 50% of individuals access healthcare services during their trafficking experience," said Suzanne Spernal, DNP, APN-BC, Senior Vice President, Women's Health, RWJBarnabas Health. "As an anchor institution and New Jersey's largest, most comprehensive academic healthcare system, we are in a unique position to help groups that have been economically and socially underserved, including people who are experiencing human trafficking,"

RWJBH has also partnered with Covenant House New Jersey, the statewide provider of immediate and long-term support for young people facing homelessness and survivors of trafficking. This partnership facilitates referrals to social services, legal assistance, and safe housing for those in need.

"RWJBarnabas Health has been a committed advocate for individuals who have experienced human trafficking in New Jersey for several years," said Julia Einbond, Chief Executive Officer, Covenant House New Jersey. "In working together to further build out the system's Human Trafficking Response Collaborative, we will be able to connect many more individuals experiencing human trafficking with the support that they need."

RWJBarnabas Health hospitals will be lit up blue throughout the month of January to raise awareness of Human Trafficking and team members were invited to wear blue and gather for a group photos that were shared on social media to observe January 11^th, the National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness.

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.

RWJBarnabas Health partners with its diverse communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate and equitable manner and is the state's largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.

RWJBarnabas Health's commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute - the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey's largest private employers, with more than 43,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Brennan
732.923.5005
[email protected]