Palatka, Fla. - DOH-Putnam attended a Human Trafficking Awareness Training at the St. Johns River State College. Open Doors Outreach Network representatives described what trafficking looks like in Florida by exploring the complexities of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation Wheel.

Using stories, participants gained a better understanding of what "choice" looks like in the context of trafficking; how to avoid labeling these victims in reporting procedures; and how environmental factors enable these events to continue to occur. The training provided a better knowledge of how to interact with individuals experiencing complex trauma; to better advocate for youth and young adults; and the difference between trafficking and prostitution.

Team members included Cynthia D'Agostine, Program Consultant; Carol Kazounis, Director of Community Health Programs; Jennifer Ramos Gagne', Tobacco Manager and SWAT Coordinator, Catherine Crinnion; Lacey Comer, Healthy Families Manager, and Family Service Workers, Katia Contreras, Christie McCloud, Wanda Jelks, Danielle Parton, Kathy Wright and Jackie Garrett, Healthy Families Senior Clerk.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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