It is not always easy to know what lies behind the face of a human trafficking victim. According to a 2014 study, 88% of trafficking survivors had contact with the health care system, but were not identified as victims.

Indeed, the prevalence of human trafficking in Arizona poses challenges to victims and health care providers alike. Victims face medical, emotional and mental health challenges such as sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and malnutrition, while health care providers face difficulties in identifying these victims among the patient population. As a result of this challenge, a system-wide initiative, Dignity Health’s Human Trafficking Response Program, was launched to recognize exploited persons and provide targeted care. To date, Dignity Health has invested over $1million in training staff to recognize victims and educate our professionals on how to best assist them.

This incredible project is led by program director, Holly Austin Gibbs, a nationally recognized advocate and former trafficking victim. Our commitment to this project remains steadfast. We are focused on training more staff and establishing more community partnerships that will reach more victims. In order to continue this vital work, however, we need the support of both donors and Dignity Health employees. Your gift in any amount is extremely valuable and will be applied directly to this program to save more victims. 

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Mikey Maynard felt helpless and frightened the morning of July 9, 2019. A ruptured colon had sent him into a sudden downward spiral!

After an emergency flight from San Francisco to Phoenix, Mikey was taken to Arizona General, Dignity Health’s newest hospital in the East Valley, where the emergency department team sprung into action. Once he was stabilized, Mikey was transported to Chandler Regional Medical Center where four clinical experts awaited his arrival. Ultimately, the surgical team led by Dr. Stevenson completed major organ repair during a six hour surgery.

By the beginning of September, Mikey was given a clean bill of health. He attributes his amazing outcome to the skilled doctors and staff of Dignity Health. However, one thing still bothered Mikey. He saw how hospitals, although state-of-the-art, lack capacity. So, now he and his wife Mikki are on a mission to raise funds through our Dignity Rising campaign that will facilitate expansion at our medical centers. More operating rooms and bigger facilities will help prevent long, life threatening waits for treatment, tests and surgery.

We thank the Maynards for raising awareness and funds in 2020. 

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