Springfield Standard

U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt and Amy Klobuchar have reintroduced the SOAR to Health and Wellness Reauthorization Act during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This legislation allocates $4 million annually over five years to train healthcare professionals to detect signs of human trafficking and provide care to victims.

Senator Schmitt emphasized the pervasive nature of human trafficking, stating, "Many think that human trafficking can’t be in their backyard, that it simply can’t happen in their community, city or state. Human trafficking is a dark web that operates nearly everywhere, even in Missouri." Schmitt highlighted the act's role in supporting efforts through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to combat trafficking, noting his previous work as Missouri's Attorney General.

Senator Klobuchar underscored the importance of the bill, noting, "We must do all we can to prevent human trafficking and help victims break free from abuse. Given that more than two in three victims visit healthcare facilities while they are actively being trafficked, our bipartisan bill is critical to continue to train healthcare workers to identify and respond to the signs of human trafficking."

The SOAR Act continues ongoing education and awareness within healthcare settings, crucial as 87.8% of trafficking survivors accessed healthcare services during their trafficking experience. Specifically, 68.3% of these cases were in emergency departments. The bill prompts collaboration among healthcare providers, law enforcement, and service organizations.

The original legislation passed in 2019 has resulted in substantial progress in the fight against human trafficking. Many healthcare professionals nationwide have received specialized training. Schmitt's efforts as Missouri's Attorney General aimed at combating trafficking, rescuing victims, cracking down on illicit operations, and collaborating with law enforcement to identify trafficking signs, support the act's objectives.