Medical Minute: Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a critical issue that affects communities everywhere, including right here in central Ohio.
“Human trafficking is all over our community,” said Megan Schabbing, MD, OhioHealth medical director of Psychiatric Emergency Services. “It’s something that we here in the hospital systems really need to be aware of because we have a huge opportunity to identify trafficking victims and find a way to help them.”
OhioHealth staff receive training to recognize warning signs and approach these situations with care.
“Number one, we provide education for all of our frontline associates to help them identify warning signs for if a patient may be a trafficking victim,” Dr. Schabbing said. “And then the second part is helping them to know kind of how to start that conversation or how to address this very sensitive issue with the patient.”
This work relies on collaboration with partners across central Ohio. One of those partners is SARNCO (Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio) which provides free, confidential services to survivors of sexual violence.
“This is very prevalent,” said Mary Culver, SARNCO associate manager. “You can’t go a day without hearing that somebody may be involved in human trafficking.”
Trafficking can have lasting physical, emotional and psychological effects. Beyond immediate crisis support, survivors often need long-term resources like counseling, housing stability and ongoing advocacy.
Awareness starts with paying attention and speaking up. “If you see something, say something,” Culver said. “When you identify it, being able to provide the proper resources is our goal.”
Survivors and community members can reach out directly for confidential support at any time.
Support available through SARNCO:
Trained Advocates are available 24/7 to provide immediate care to survivors of sexual assault at all emergency departments within Franklin County.
Advocates offer free resources and community aftercare advocacy, including emotional support, safety planning, and social, legal and financial assistance.
Survivors can speak privately with an Advocate by phone or online chat at any time.
The Ohio Sexual Violence Helpline serves all 88 counties statewide, ensuring help is available wherever someone lives.
To get support or learn more:
Visit www.sarnco.com
Ohio Sexual Violence Helpline: (844) 644-6435
To support SARNCO and free services provided, visit Giving.OhioHealth.com/SARNCO.
