HCMH Joins Statewide Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking Effort

The Humboldt County Memorial Hospital has officially joined the statewide coalition to end human trafficking in Iowa. The Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking (IBAT) initiative is spearheaded by the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office. The goal is to have Iowa’s business community raise awareness and help prevent human trafficking.

Membership in IBAT is open to any business or nonprofit organization that operates in the State of Iowa and shares a commitment to taking steps to promote awareness of human trafficking and the Iowa Safe at Home program. Safe at Home is an address confidentiality program for survivors of human trafficking and other violent crimes.

Businesses that join IBAT are asked to complete two tasks each year: “Learn Something,” and “Do Something.” Businesses will commit to “Learn Something” by educating employees, customers, and industry partners on the signs and impact of human trafficking in Iowa. Businesses can “Do Something” by empowering more people to take action to prevent human trafficking in Iowa.

"As healthcare providers, we see hundred of individuals a day and it is important that we understand this and keep our eyes open to what our patients and/or visitors may be saying to us without saying anything. We need to educate ourselves to keep those around us safe." - Michelle Sleiter, CEO

“I’m very pleased to have the Humboldt County Memorial Hospital join the army we are building to combat human trafficking," Secretary Pate said. “By joining IBAT, they’ve shown a commitment to their community and helping others. Together, we can make a huge difference and become a model for the rest of the nation.”

Learn more about human trafficking and what you can do to help here.