• At the start of the program, 51% of the kids reported that human trafficking was something they had heard about but did not  understand.  
• By the end of the program 65% responded that they had a pretty good understanding of human trafficking. 

• When asked what they enjoyed most about the ARTREACH program, 42% of kids most enjoyed the painting and doing the artwork, but 50% of kids enjoyed learning about human trafficking and being part of an effort to do something to help end it the most.

• 57% of kids responded that they would like to be trained to speak to groups of teens, participate in exhibits of the artwork, and/or help with another ARTREACH program.

• 79% of kids said they would be comfortable working with the opposite gender during the ARTREACH program.

Thank you, students and youth leaders for your input, interest and enthusiasm!! 

Katherine Hill is 22 years old and is also a graduating senior from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Forensic Studies. Katie is hoping to get her Master's in Forensic Behavioral Analysis. She is from Sarasota, Florida.

They began their internship with us for the fall semester at the Ebenezer ARTREACH program, then worked hard for 4 days, helping us move. They are bright and energetic young women who will help HTAP move forward!

Katie and Erica have represented HTAP at the hospital Meet and Greet and the FGCU Community Engagement Day. 

 Katie Hill and Nola Theiss representing HTAP at the Lee Memorial Health System Meet and Greet!

HTAP was invited to attend a Meet and Greet where we were able to tell representatives from LMHS about our Point of Contact, Point of Rescue program. Some attendees were proud to show us the name tag size card they received at an earlier presentation they attended. Others followed up with requests for trainings.

LMHS staff member proudly showing off her PCPR Card

We will hold Point of Contact, Point of Rescue trainings for Safety Officers in all 4 hospitals over the next few weeks. 

Here are some interesting medical statistics from research we learned at the recent Trafficking in America conference in a presentation by Laura Lederer of Global Centurion:

• Number of survivors who sought medical help while trafficked: 87.8% - 61% in a clinic; 63% in ER.
• None were ever asked by medical provider about trafficking symptoms.
• 99.1% reported physical symptoms; 98% reported psychological symptoms; 84% reported substance abuse.
• 71% had a pregnancy; 41% attempted suicide;
• 95% experienced physical violence. When asked about "moments of coercion", all reported many to thousands of such instances.

This study involved 107 participants in 3 cities and is expanding to more cities soon. For more information go to www.globalcenturion.org.

We have incorporated this research in our Point of Contact, Point of Rescue program materials which we will be glad to share.