Exciting changes are coming!
The Dignity Health website is moving to CommonSpirit.org to deliver a more patient-centered digital experience across CA, AZ, and NV.
At Dignity Health, our Human Trafficking Response Program equips physicians, APPs, and staff to identify and assist patients who may be experiencing human trafficking or other types of abuse, neglect, and violence. To ensure a structural foundation, we implemented a system Abuse, Neglect, and Violence policy, which requires acute and continuing care facilities to adopt procedures that support physicians, APPs, and staff to:
Medical Safe Haven was established to provide longitudinal, trauma-informed and patient-centered primary medical care to victims and survivors of human trafficking in a safe, barrier-free environment. Utilizing the existing structure of family medicine residency programs, we provide the next generation of physicians with extensive training in the tenets of trauma-informed care, and partner with organizations in the community already serving this population to offer compassionate medical care.
To walk alongside survivors with dignity and respect — offering redemptive healing through trusted relationships, meaningful connection to resources, and comprehensive and responsive medical care that restores hope and forges lasting recovery.
A world where every survivor is connected to profoundly compassionate care, empowering them to rise fully, heal completely, and thrive boundlessly.
Do not hesitate to contact us at one of our Medical Safe Haven direct lines and speak to our professional and dedicated staff:
If you or anybody you know has experienced human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or text "HELP" to BeFree (233733) polarisproject.org.
Additional National Resources
“The Medical Safe Haven Clinic pushes us to a level of compassion, empathy, and holistic care we didn’t know was possible but now can live out every day. I’m honored to take part in this work.”
– Reagan Summers, MD
“A few months ago, if that same 17 year old girl sat in front of me, I can guarantee you that I would have been exasperated by her indifference. How many times have I internally posed the question, “If you’re not going to talk to me or listen to anything I say, why are you here?” Our program’s efforts in educating residents about the challenges these young men and women face has deeply transformed how I see the patient in front of me, whether they are a victim of human trafficking or not. It’s taught me to ask the hard questions, to lean into my own discomfort for the sake of hearing this person’s story. It’s taught me to look and listen for what is really happening, understanding that the “poor historian” may be so severely traumatized the s/he is not capable of stringing together events in time. It’s taught me to be patient with silence. To say that I have benefitted from this training is an understatement. It is a privilege. It is humbling. It makes me a better family doctor.”
– Sarah Chaffin MD, Resident Physician
“One woman we brought to Mercy Family Health Center, had a history of 25 pimps, and childhood sexual abuse. She was fearful of doctors and had never had a health exam. While she was in our housing program, she grew in ways she had never dreamed of, and then in the process of breaking free from all substance abuse she emotionally began to unravel. We were immediately able to get her into Mercy Family Health Center where the team spent two hours with her, and over the next two months would call and check on her. She was treated with kindness, medical expertise, and the care needed to transition from crisis to stabilization. This intervention saved her life!”
– Rachelle, City of Refuge
“I was privileged to witness firsthand the remarkable work of Mercy Family Health Center. They have been a true blessing to the women we serve, women who have never received such compassionate and understanding care, can now trust and believe in the medical system because of this team. We are very grateful and will continue to bring our women to the clinic of care and love.”
– Sawan, Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH)
“We sincerely appreciate Dr. Chamber’s commitment to women who have been sex-trafficked. Because he and his staff understand the women we serve, they are able to address the health and wellness issues that are often missed or not easily discussed by our clients. The women we serve are enjoying success, instead of constant struggle, because of the great work of his team.“
– Terri Galvan, Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH)
“Our client received a framed photo of her and her newborn baby, as a gift from the Mercy Family Health Center, that meant so much; t's the little things, the consistency and follow-through that has helped shape this relationship and overall experience!“
– Timiza Wash, M.Ed, Anti-Trafficking Program Manager, WEAVE™
We created resources based on the experience of physicians, program staff and survivors across more than 8,000 patient encounters. These resources are survivor-informed and useful as peer guidance for physician training in understanding human trafficking and trauma-informed care, as well as for implementing a patient care model.
The Medical Safe Haven program model is rooted in extensive training and longitudinal care for survivors, based within a Family Medicine residency program, but can be adapted for diverse clinical environments.
For more information on the Medical Safe Haven model, please reach out to the MSH Core Team team at [email protected].
Ron Chambers, MD, MBA, FAAFP
Medical Director, Medical Safe Haven
Program Director, DIO, FM Residency Program, Methodist Hospital of Sacramento
Eric Barkyoumb
System Director, Medical Safe Haven
Laura Beas-Mejia
Program Manager, Medical Safe Haven
Gigi Michaelsen
Program Specialist, Medical Safe Haven
Ritika Sharma
Administrative Assistant, Medical Safe Haven
