Andrea Palm, Deputy Secretary | https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/andrea-palm.html
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) Office on Women’s Health (OWH), has announced the Phase 1 winners of the HHS Innovation Challenge to Prevent Human Trafficking Among Women and Girls. The announcement was made at the “Activating Connections: Mobilizing Communities to Prevent Human Trafficking” event in Washington, DC.
Data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline indicates that women and girls comprised approximately 84% of individuals in trafficking situations and 50% of individuals in labor trafficking situations reported to the Hotline in 2021.
“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services remains steadfast in our dedication to protecting all people from human trafficking,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The HHS National Human Trafficking Prevention Framework is rooted in evidence-based strategies and exemplifies the Biden-Harris Administration’s unwavering commitment to combatting human trafficking at the community level. By recognizing and awarding innovative solutions within communities across the country, we directly reflect this commitment.”
According to the White House’s National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by human trafficking, which undermines their safety, health, and well-being. Women and girls who are sexually abused are more likely to suffer physical abuse, sexual re-victimization, or intimate partner violence later in life.
“We are proud to recognize these programs today in honor of World Day Against Trafficking Persons. Recognizing innovative programs that effectively address human trafficking in women and girls is vital to harnessing creativity and collaboration to develop actionable solutions,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine. “By focusing on prevention and early intervention, we can protect vulnerable women and girls and create a safer future for all.”
The challenge has two phases with a total prize pool of up to $1.8 million. During Phase 1, HHS awarded $900,000 to existing innovative programs that have demonstrated outcomes in successfully preventing human trafficking or improving health outcomes related to human trafficking among women and girls. Phase 2 will award up to $800,000 to programs that successfully expand or replicate.
“The National Human Trafficking Hotline identified over 10,000 cases of human trafficking in 2021, of which more than 8,000 cases involved female victims and survivors,” said Dorothy Fink, M.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health and Director of the Office on Women’s Health. “OWH’s Phase 1 Challenge winners take a multifaceted approach to address human trafficking among women and girls through prevention, protection, education, and support."
The winners include:
- **Allies Against Slavery** – Austin, TX: Lighthouse platform screens individuals for sex trafficking.
- **Atrium Health** – Charlotte, NC: CODE HOPE campaign provides direct services via an electronic medical record tool.
- **Businesses Ending Slavery & Trafficking (BEST)** – Seattle, WA: Engages employers/employees in high-risk industries.
- **Collective Liberty** – Washington DC: Fusion Center links agencies for data-driven anti-trafficking efforts.
- **Covenant House Alaska** – Anchorage AK: Provides shelter/services using a one-stop-shop model.
- **DREAM Youth Clinic** – Oakland CA: Offers wraparound services for trafficked minority youth.
- **Empower Her Network** – New London CT: Survivor-centered services reducing re-trafficking risks.
- **Global Emergency Response Inc.** – Augusta GA: DVBEDS platform connects survivors with emergency shelters.
- **Greater Baltimore Medical Center** – Baltimore MD: SAFE/DV program offers holistic care within hospitals.
- **Ho’ola Na Pua** – Honolulu HI: Residential treatment center using Trust-Based Relational Intervention.
- **kNOw MORE** – San Diego CA: Theatre-based curriculum educating students on human trafficking signs.
- **Kiricka Yarbough Smith** – Raleigh NC: LEAD program offering summer work experience for at-risk youth.
- **My Life My Choice** – Boston MA: Survivor-led mentoring program reducing crime/drug use/depression among youth.
- **Project Harmony** – Omaha NE: Child advocacy model minimizing trauma through co-located services.
- **PurpLE Health Foundation** – New York City NY: Long-term healthcare addressing multiple needs of survivors/children.
- **ReloShare** – Chicago IL: Safe Stays hotel booking platform providing anonymous emergency shelter access.
- **University of Central Florida** – Orlando FL: Curriculum educating hospitality majors on identifying/reporting trafficking.
- **University of Maryland Baltimore** - Baltimore MD - Regional Navigator Network employing professionals as first responders
These initiatives demonstrate innovation in addressing various aspects related to preventing human trafficking among women and girls.
