Read story at The News & Advance...Led by April Rasmussen, a forensic nurse at Centra, and her team of forensic nurses at Lynchburg General Hospital, Centra is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients by creating education for nurses and providers on how to identify victims of human trafficking, a news release states.Rasmussen collaborated with Lynchburg-based nonprofit, Freedom 4/24, to develop a tailored policy and educational program to address the issue.

Drawing inspiration from Texas, where legislation mandates human trafficking prevention training for health care providers for them to receive credentialing from the state, the educational curriculum was developed in alignment with these standards, the release states.

“By doing so, Centra is proactively preparing for potential future legislation in Virginia, ensuring that its training remains in line with established requirements.”

Currently, Centra’s professional development team is reviewing the education program. Once approved, physicians and advanced practice providers will have the opportunity to earn two hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits through live training, including pre- and post-testing. Additionally, nurses will have access to a one-hour CME credit course with plans for further training opportunities to be made available as well.

“Through these concerted efforts, Centra is aiming to take preventative action, provide important education and foster robust collaboration to combat human trafficking and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals,” the release states.