An Analysis of Human Trafficking Medical Clinics’ Practices in the United States

Author: Boulineaux, Christina; Prakash, Jaya; Stoklosa, Hanni; Cox, Jennifer; Reilly, Andrea & Lewis O’Connor, Annie

Abstract: Comprehensive programs that address the complex needs of survivors of human trafficking (HT) remain rare nationwide despite demonstrable remaining need. Non-profit clinics have proliferated to fill this gulf and provide care, services, and resources to this population. No existing research has explored success and challenges of such clinics. To outline operational characteristics and provider experiences of several nonprofit medical clinics serving survivors of human trafficking (HT) that proliferated due to a lack of comprehensive integrated care serving this population. We interviewed eight nonprofit medical clinics caring for survivors of HT across the U.S. Clinics were identified using a network sampling snowball approach. Semi-structured, conversational Zoom interviews were performed from May-August 2021 using SCORE analysis; subsequent thematic analysis established an interview codebook. All clinics incorporated trauma-informed care and patient advocates, many offered primary care, and fewer offered partnerships with multidisciplinary services that provided mental health, pregnancy, or substance use treatments. Most clinics expressed challenges with funding, patient continuity due to mistrust or unstable circumstances, and patient identification due to legislative heterogeneity around HT. Nationwide efforts to standardize medical care for survivors of HT should learn from care models such as those demonstrated in this study. More healthcare systems with should provide comprehensive, integrated health care for trafficking survivors supported by line-item funding that sustains vital components such as patient advocates, mental health services, and substance use treatment support.

Keywords: human trafficking, survivors, medical clinics, nonprofit, mental health services