This prestigious award is grant for substantial efforts to eradicate human trafficking in the workplace, classroom, and beyond.
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, and Tidewater Tech family of schools has received the Silver “Leader in Freedom” award from the national anti-trafficking organization, Safe House Project, for the work carried out by the administration, students, and staff to combat human trafficking.
Everyone has a place in the fight against human trafficking. First responders and corporations consistently work with their community and can recognize potential victims of violence. Healthcare workers, in particular, are in a unique position to recognize a potential victim and have the opportunity to speak up.
A 2014 study found that nearly 88% of trafficking survivors had been seen by healthcare providers during their trafficking experience. With this in consideration, Safe House Project has developed a training program, Healthcare Observations for the Prevention & Eradication of Human Trafficking (H.O.P.E.), which trains healthcare professionals to identify potential human trafficking victims and offer support and resources. This training was developed with the aid of human trafficking survivors, crime scene investigators, forensic nurses, and various other healthcare professionals. All health professionals have a hand in the fight against human trafficking and having the proper training to recognize potential victims can have a significant impact overall.
In recognition of this, Centura College has committed to providing training for over 300 students in various healthcare programs. Centura College students enrolled in medical assisting programs will be equipped with the training as a useful tool in handling real-world situations they are likely to face. “Having tools to identify those being trafficked is essential in the healthcare industry. Our Medical Assistant with Limited Scope Radiologic Technology students will be better equipped to help assist those in need after taking the H.O.P.E. Training. Together we all can make a difference.” said Lenora Wright, Program Coordinator at Centura College, Chesapeake.
About Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College, and Tidewater Tech
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM), Centura College, and Tidewater Tech (ACT) have been part of an organization dedicated to helping individuals develop careers since 1969. The schools connect students to local communities and career fields through training in aviation, healthcare, technology, business, and trades. ACT offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, and job placement assistance. AIM’s campuses are located near the following major metro areas: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, San Francisco Bay, Orlando, and Norfolk. Centura College and Tidewater Tech are in Hampton Roads, VA. To learn more, visit AviationMaintenance.edu, CenturaCollege.edu, and TidewaterTechTrades.edu.
Safe House Project is a registered 501(c)3. The organization focuses on increasing victim identification above one percent through survivor-informed training, supporting victims in their escape, and increasing the number of restorative care opportunities for child trafficking victims. Since 2017, the organization has provided training to more than 200k individuals, leading to marked increase in victim identification, provided escape and emergency services to more than 200 victims, and increased restorative care opportunities by funding 272 new beds across America. To learn more about Safe House Project visit www.safehouseproject.org.
