Human Trafficking
20th Century Historical Roots & The Importance of Credible Research
In this episode, we’re diving a little deeper into the public health, education, and medical perspectives with our guest who has spent many years studying, educating, and combating human trafficking through local and state-wide initiatives, particularly within trauma-informed awareness and education capacities. Dr. Lara Wilken is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor and Coordinator of the online RN-BSN program at Bowling Green State University. She is chair of the Ohio Attorney General’s HTI Human Trafficking Public Awareness Subcommittee, also serving on the Public Awareness Subcommittee.
Referenced Services & Operations
Dr. Wilken's Initiatives at Bowling Green State University
Learn more about Tracy McGinley's Community Involvement Initiatives
Trillium Farms & Labor Trafficking Case
Ohio Attorney General's Human Trafficking Commission
Resources
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" to 233733
Summit Regional Human Trafficking Task Force: 330-252-2614
"You see, survivors are the experts. It's so incredibly important that we not only include them in our work but that we also compensate them fairly for their time. You know, I can research and read every single thing, I can provide care to vulnerable populations (...) but at the end of the day, the lived experience is what we truly learn the most from."
- Dr. Lara Wilken
Dr. Lara B. Wilken, DNP, RN
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Lara Wilken is a proud graduate of Bowling Green State University. She is also an Assistant Clinical Professor and Coordinator of the online RN-BSN program at Bowling Green State University. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2020 with a focus on healthcare and human trafficking. Her background in nursing is primarily medical-surgical oncology, with experience in public school nursing and SANE nursing (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner).
Lara has a great passion for educating healthcare providers on the assessment and identification of those involved in the life of human trafficking. Lara has spent the last ten years traveling the northwest region of Ohio raising awareness in a variety of health care and community settings. Lara created the human trafficking policy for Firelands Regional Medical Center and is chair of the Ohio Attorney General’s HTI Human Trafficking Public Awareness Subcommittee, also serving on their Healthcare Subcommittee. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Eyes Open International and the Erie County Safe Harbour Domestic Violence Shelter. Lara helps run and is a co-founder of the Erie County Jail Women’s Empowerment Group. Lara’s mission is to ensure health care providers of all disciplines receive education that is not only evidence-based, but also survivor and trauma-informed.