As January marks Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the U.S., Dignity Health is underscoring its unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors with dignity and compassion across California, a state that consistently reports one of the highest rates of this pervasive issue.
Newly released data offers critical insights into the scope and dynamics of trafficking within the state and highlights Dignity Health’s pivotal role in intervention:
? Dignity Health's Impact: Across its hospitals in Arizona, California, and Nevada, Dignity Health identified potential signs of human trafficking in nearly 30,000 patient screenings and social work assessments. This translates to over 80 potential victims identified daily. Crucially, more than three-quarters of these detections occurred in common hospital areas like emergency rooms, demonstrating that healthcare settings often serve as the only safe touchpoint for victims.
? California's Enduring Challenge: Between 2015 and 2021, California experienced a disproportionate rise in human trafficking cases. In 2015, the state accounted for a significant 18% of all trafficking cases and 15% of all trafficked individuals in the U.S.. While the state's share of national cases has since decreased slightly, California continues to lead the U.S. in human trafficking reports.
? Prevalence of Sex Trafficking: The majority of trafficking in California (89% by 2021) is sex trafficking, frequently occurring in locations such as illicit massage parlors and hotels. Labor trafficking also persists, often in private residences, though these victims are even more challenging to identify and assist. From 2015 to 2021, the percentage of human trafficking cases involving sex trafficking increased from 87% to 89% in California.
Dignity Health’s comprehensive initiatives include specialized training for healthcare providers to recognize the subtle indicators of trafficking, strategic partnerships with local organizations to provide essential support services, and survivor-centered programs that prioritize holistic healing. Dignity Health - Community Hospital of San Bernardino (CHSB) hosts community education sessions on this topic. This year, the Understanding and Preventing Human Trafficking workshop will be held virtually for all local partners and community members on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Additionally, CHSB joins the Family
Assistance Program for its annual anti-human trafficking walk on Saturday, January 24, 2026 may contact CHSB Health Education Services at (909) 806-1816 to learn more or register for in-person and online health education.
“Guided by our mission of compassion and respect for human dignity, we are committed to supporting survivors with the care and resources they deserve,” said June Collison, President and CEO at CHSB.
Through these dedicated efforts, Dignity Health is actively contributing to building stronger, safer communities, reaffirming its commitment to treating every patient with respect and compassion.
For more information about Dignity Health's human trafficking programs and resources, please visit dignityhealth.org/inlandempire.
About Dignity Health - Community Hospital of San Bernardino
Founded in 1910, Dignity Health - Community Hospital of San Bernardino is a 347-bed, acute care, nonprofit, community hospital located in San Bernardino, California. Known for its programs in maternity care and pediatrics, behavioral health and long-term subacute care for adults and children, the hospital also includes inpatient and outpatient surgery. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health, one of the largest health care systems. CHSB has been recognized with the gold seal of approval by the Joint Commission, as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, awarded Healthgrades’ Five Stars for Gallbladder Removal Surgery and Treatment of Diabetic Emergencies, earned Blue Distinction for Maternity Care from Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and rated five stars for Children’s Subacute Center by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Visit dignityhealth.org/chsb for more information.
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