| SPRINGFIELD, MA—Mercy Medical Center will host Knowing . . . The Face of Human Trafficking on May 31 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Deliso Conference Center, 299 Carew Street, Springfield. The conference will provide essential information to professionals in health care, education, public safety, and other human services who are in a position to identify victims and provide assistance.
“We are delighted to be in partnership with the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops in hosting this important conference,” said Sr. Kathleen Sullivan, Senior Vice President for Mission. “Human trafficking is a growing problem in the United States and, as a leader in the health care community, we feel an obligation to help victims right here in Western Mass. and Northern Conn.,” she added.
Considered ‘the new slavery,’ human trafficking is the third largest cross-border criminal enterprise in the world, ranking behind only drugs and arms. Victims, predominantly women and children, are forced into unpaid labor, debt bondage, coerced prostitution, or sexual servitude, often in association with organized crime.
“Knowing . . . The Face of Human Trafficking” is open to health care professionals, educators, law enforcement and public safety officials, and other health and human services professionals such as social workers, counselors and representatives of faith-based communities.
Several leading authorities on human trafficking will speak at the conference. They include Sr. Mary Ellen Dougherty, Cherie Sammis, R.N., M.S., F.N.P.-B.C., and Sr. Teresita Hinnegan, R.N., C.N.M., M.S.W. Speakers will be followed by a question and answer session. There is no cost for the conference for qualified participants. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided by Mercy Medical Center.
To register, please call 413-748-9789. For additional information, visitwww.mercycares.com. |
