Overview

The Nurses Against Human Trafficking Mutual Interest Group (MIG) brings together Wisconsin nurses committed to addressing human trafficking as a critical public health issue. The MIG focuses on education, evidence-based nursing practice, advocacy, and professional collaboration to support prevention, identification, and response efforts across the state.

Human trafficking disproportionately affects women and children and results in profound physical, emotional, and social harm. Nurses are often among the first professionals to encounter victims, positioning nursing as essential to prevention, intervention, and referral.

Purpose

The purpose of the Nurses Against Human Trafficking MIG is to:

  • Promote education and awareness among nurses
  • Support evidence-based nursing practice
  • Advance statewide advocacy efforts
  • Foster professional networking and collaboration
  • Address human trafficking as a public health issue impacting nursing practice

This MIG affirms that:

  • Human trafficking is a public health issue affecting nursing practice
  • Nurses must be equipped to identify and appropriately refer victims
  • Legislative and policy efforts are essential to reduce trafficking and protect vulnerable populations

How this MIG aligns with WNA’s mission and goals

Human trafficking was formally recognized by the American Nurses Association House of Delegates as a serious national health concern, affirming the responsibility of nurses to understand its impact and respond accordingly.

This MIG directly supports WNA goals by:

  • Advancing professional development for Wisconsin nurses
  • Strengthening nursing leadership and advocacy
  • Enhancing public health and patient safety
  • Encouraging collaboration with key stakeholders
  • Supporting nursing-relevant policy initiatives

WNA Goal Alignment

  • Goal I: Advocate for access to comprehensive, quality health care services for all people
  • Goal II: Assure registered nurses are essential providers through education, research, advocacy, legislation, and regulation

Anticipated activities (Year One)

Planned activities for the first year include:

  • Promoting January National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
  • Creating a web-based platform with resources for nurses related to human trafficking
  • Offering two educational webinars to increase nurses’ knowledge and preparedness related to trafficking identification and response

Steering committee

  • Grace Schneider
  • Emilie Kreilkamp
  • Mary Cejka-Rivet

Get involved

WNA members with an interest in human trafficking prevention, education, advocacy, or clinical response are encouraged to participate.

How to join:

WNA members interested in participating in this Mutual Interest Group are invited to complete the Interest to Serve form.
Once submitted, WNA staff will follow up with next steps and opportunities to get involved.

 Complete the Interest to Serve form