MIVPAC Presentations
On August 19th, the Missouri Injury and Violence Prevention Advisory Committee (MIVPAC) meeting featured a series of insightful presentations focused on human trafficking, delivered by three of our HTCN Steering Committee members, Dr. Rumi Kato Price, Linda Neumann, and Dr. Nathaniel Dell.
Rumi Kato Price, PhD, MPE presented an overview of the HTCN, highlighting its commitment to combating misinformation, promoting anti-trafficking research and advocacy in St. Louis, and outlining the network’s members, website, and future strategic vision.
Following Dr. Price, Linda Neumann, RN presented a Human Trafficking 101 with an emphasis on Missouri and evidence-based resources. She discussed vulnerabilities, and trafficking incidences across urban, rural, and suburban areas, and highlighted the importance of schools and healthcare in addressing trafficking. Linda also touched on risk factors, control methods used by traffickers, online predator dangers, and strategies for staying safe online.
Nathaniel Dell, PhD, LCSW highlighted the prevalence of substance use disorder (SUD) in emergency department visits involving survivors of human trafficking. Leveraging a nationally representative sample of emergency department visits, his team estimated that nearly 40 percent of visits involving human trafficking victims had a documented SUD, with cannabis, stimulants such as amphetamines, and opioids being the most common SUDs. Dr. Dell underscored the crucial role that hospitals play in addressing both human trafficking and SUD.
Normandy School District Presentation
In January 2024, HTCN Steering Committee members Linda Neumann and John Viviano led an impactful Human Trafficking 101 course for the dedicated nurses and professionals of the Normandy School District. This comprehensive session covered critical topics such as the Missouri human trafficking landscape, protection and prevention strategies for K-12 students, the mental health impact on young students, and essential tips for cybersecurity protection for school-aged children. This event aimed to equip educators and staff with the knowledge and tools to protect and support their students.
WERC Presentation
On January 25th, 2024, the Washington Early Recognition Center (WERC), a specialized treatment clinic in the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University Medical School, hosted HTCN member Whitney Howland for “Focusing on the Big Picture; A guide for understanding human trafficking and potential psychosis.” The presentation provided an introduction to human trafficking, a review of using a trauma-informed approach, and the incorporation of trauma-informed and person-centered considerations when handling situations with suspected psychosis and potential human trafficking.
FFSD Developmental Day
In a half-day workshop in February 2024, over 60 professionals from the Ferguson-Florissant School District (FFSD) gathered to delve into various aspects of human trafficking in Missouri, focusing on K-12 school professionals, students, and families. Rumi Kato Price kicked off the event with an introduction to the HTCN and an overview of global trafficking in persons overview, followed by Linda Neumann and John Viviano who delivered an insightful lecture on crucial elements of Trafficking 101 with a focus on Missouri. To enhance the learning experience, John Viviano also shared educational video clips produced by Evidentia Learning. This workshop aimed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to address and prevent human trafficking within their school community.
World Affairs International Exchange Panel
Throughout February 2024, HTCN members—Rumi Kato Price, Linda Neumann, John Viviano, Whitney Howland, and Rebecca Sarabia—represented Team St. Louis as part of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, which focuses on combating trafficking in persons through a comprehensive approach. Their objectives include reviewing United States strategies to fight trafficking, examining the roles of government, law enforcement, and local organizations in preventing and prosecuting crimes, exploring victim assistance initiatives, and investigating international cooperation in trafficking cases. The program emphasizes formulating, administering, and enforcing policy at various levels, aiming to enhance detection, protection, and prosecution efforts in trafficking in vulnerable populations.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Didactic Lecture
On June 18, 2024, three members of the HTCN Steering Committee—Rumi Kato Price, Linda Neumann, and John Viviano—delivered a comprehensive presentation at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship didactic lecture on sexual exploitation and trafficking. In addition to introducing HTCN’s mission and strategic planning, three Committee members addressed critical topics related to child abuse and human trafficking, offering valuable resources, educational insights, and expert answers to questions on these pressing issues.