Missouri Nurse Winter 2022/2023

A s I write this, our first big blast of cold air is rolling in suggesting that, yes, winter is truly here. Although I love the warmth of summer and the fall coolness, winter, as cold as it is, offers us a time to reflect, to value warmth and seek comforting things in our lives. Because it’s cold, winter brings us inside closer to our loved ones doing cozy activities like enjoying cozy hot drinks by a fire. Sitting by my fire, I am reflecting on my need to be more aware of global health concerns and to understand health and illness from different perspectives. Not everyone is privileged enough to enjoy hot drinks by a fire like me. Not everyone has accessible health care. And not everyone has caring family and friends to rely on in times of need. One health challenge that is alarmingly present in our country and the world is human trafficking. It is alarming to me because I cannot imagine living a life where you are a victim of continual abuse without the usual privileges of freedom. In this issue there is an article, Human Trafficking: The Invisible Tragedy to Humankind, that brings us the perspective that human trafficking (HT) is a concerning healthcare issue and may even be a health crisis. The Polaris Project (https://polarisproject.org/) suggests that people in situations of trafficking rose by 12 percent between 2016 and 2021. Over 27 million people in the world are living as victims of HT. We have an opportunity to learn about HT and act. As the article suggests, up to about 80% of HT victims seek healthcare but are we, as healthcare providers, aware of the victims? Do we assess for HT? Low identification rates, which can be as low as 2%, may just well be related to our lack of education for assessing and understanding how to therapeutically communicate with HT victims. Even though there are no validated assessment tools, there is a tool to use that is suggested by US Department of Health and Human Services. Nurse researchers need to validate tools and interventions so we can expertly help the people victim to this abuse. Let’s work together to help victims out of the cycle of abuse. It takes a caring perspective to recognize the psychological and physiological abuse and to take action to help. In addition to reading the article in this issue, please access recorded education about human trafficking on the Missouri Nurses Association (MONA) website. MONA offers a series, four 1-hour sessions, about HT. Please take advantage of listening to the experts and learning what action you can take. Visit the MONA website at missourinurses.org, click on Education, then choose Human TraffickingWebinar Series. Let’s all be alarmed that this is an issue that needs our attention and caring action.

Caryl Goodyear, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN-K, FAAN MONA PRESIDENT

From the MONA PRESIDENT

4 | The Missouri Nurse :: Winter 2022/2023

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