Innovative Patient Health Navigator Model for Victims of Human Trafficking: Insights from Coastal Family Health Center
Bridget O'Neil; Melissa Perrien & Kimberly Hogan, PhD, LMSW, MA | September 19 | 3:15-4:15 pm EDT
Topic: Healthcare, Programming | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Victims of human trafficking face significant barriers to healthcare access, including stigma, fear, and complex trauma-related needs. The Patient Health Navigator Model at Coastal Family Health Center (CFHC) is designed to bridge these gaps by providing trauma-informed, survivor-centered care coordination. This model ensures that trafficking survivors receive comprehensive healthcare while addressing social determinants of health. The Patient Health Navigator Model is an innovative, trauma-informed approach that connects trafficking survivors to essential medical, mental health, and social services. By integrating patient advocacy, care coordination, and trust-building practices, this model improves health outcomes and enhances survivors' long-term well-being. In this session, the presenters will talk about how navigators guide survivors through healthcare systems, providing culturally responsive support tailored to individual needs. They act as liaisons between patients and providers, ensuring continuity of care. Trafficking survivors often struggle with fear of authorities, legal concerns, and psychological trauma. This model overcomes these barriers through survivor-centered engagement, trauma-informed care, and partnerships with community resources. CFHC has observed improved health engagement and well-being among survivors. Lessons learned emphasize the importance of training healthcare providers and integrating multidisciplinary approaches. The model has the potential for replication in other healthcare settings. Healthcare providers should implement Patient Health Navigator Models to improve access to survivor-centered care. Policy changes and funding support are essential to scale this model nationwide. CFHC’s success highlights the need for expanding survivor-informed healthcare solutions to foster long-term recovery and empowerment.
Presentation Objectives:
• Describe the structure, role, and key components of the Patient Health Navigator Model and how it supports survivors in accessing comprehensive healthcare
• Recognize the unique challenges that survivors face in seeking medical and mental health services, including stigma, trauma, and systemic barriers
• Examine how trauma-informed care principles and survivor-centered strategies improve trust, engagement, and healthcare outcomes for trafficking victims
• Discuss lessons learned from the CFHC model and evaluate opportunities for adapting and integrating similar programs into other healthcare and social service settings