Human trafficking bills proposed amid awareness month [WoodTV.com]

Rhonda Hertwig posted:

Ruth, thank you for stepping up to the plate. It takes courage. I am so sorry you had to endure so much trauma in your life time. As a nurse and recently a school nurse, I am all too aware of the work that needs to be taken seriously and it needs to begin in our schools. I see very little out there in regards to legislation for trafficking/exploitation awareness. Happy to see It’s mandatory for health providers! But our schools would be the place for much education and parent outreach in order to PREVENT exploitation, rather than waiting to become a victim. We need to wake up and recognize the importance of sexuality education for our children/youth, and it needs to begin on their level starting  in our elementary schools. We also need to consider including parents and offering parenting classes and case management in our schools. While there are some invaluable School Based Health Clinics, there is a huge disconnect from what is occurring in the schools and what is happening in the school nurse clinic. Thank you for your efforts in pushing legislation that will help our victims.

Hi Rhonda,

Thank you for your comments and kind words. Yes, its hard work. This hearing was the first one where one could lay it out for them how HT and ACEs are connected. Its a huge mountain to climb. The ACES study started to get more attention in 2016 but STILL Michigan is still lacking in knowledge and resources. Ugh!! So much work needs to be done. Would you like to watch the whole hearing? I shared the stage with the ass't attorney general Kelly Carter. Here's a link https://www.facebook.com/state...os/1092875624387898/

Thank you for all you do. Onward we go huh? We can't stop now. hugs

Ruth, thank you for stepping up to the plate. It takes courage. I am so sorry you had to endure so much trauma in your life time. As a nurse and recently a school nurse, I am all too aware of the work that needs to be taken seriously and it needs to begin in our schools. I see very little out there in regards to legislation for trafficking/exploitation awareness. Happy to see It’s mandatory for health providers! But our schools would be the place for much education and parent outreach in order to PREVENT exploitation, rather than waiting to become a victim. We need to wake up and recognize the importance of sexuality education for our children/youth, and it needs to begin on their level starting  in our elementary schools. We also need to consider including parents and offering parenting classes and case management in our schools. While there are some invaluable School Based Health Clinics, there is a huge disconnect from what is occurring in the schools and what is happening in the school nurse clinic. Thank you for your efforts in pushing legislation that will help our victims.

Making headway with legislators