Emerging Trends in Public Health
Sharing Session - 60 Minutes
Sandra Elizabeth Ford, MD, MBA, FAAP
District Health Director/CEO
DeKalb County Board of Health
Human trafficking has become a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States. Atlanta, one of the top hubs nationwide for human trafficking activity, has generated nearly $300 million from this industry in the five years between 2012 and 2017. Most public health-initiated efforts have revolved around education and awareness, but to most effectively address this true public health crisis, more attention must be given to addressing those who prey upon young girls and boys for sex—the buyers.
This session will discuss the role of the Chief Health Strategist as a convener as we work to eradicate human trafficking by holding buyers accountable for their actions, thereby reducing demand. We will also share legislation that has been successful in decreasing demand, as well as brainstorm successful strategies to combat domestic human trafficking.