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In a piece this week, Providence St. Joseph Health President and CEO Rod Hochman, M.D., a member of the AHA Board of Trustees, explains why the Renton, WA-based health system has made it a priority to help end human trafficking, including forced prostitution. “For many victims of sex trafficking, their only contact with outside professionals is when they face a serious medical issue and have no choice but to be taken to an emergency department or clinic,” Hochman notes. “That makes health professionals a critical lifeline, and it’s the reason why Providence St. Joseph Health has made it a priority to do our part to end what Pope Francis calls a ‘crime against humanity.’” For more on how hospitals and health systems can combat violence of all kinds in their communities, visit www.aha.org and participate June 8 in the #HAVhope National Day of Awareness.