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The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine established a multidisciplinary medical clinic, called THRIVE (Trafficking Healthcare Resources and Interdisciplinary Victim Services and Education), in 2016 to respond to the health care needs of survivors of human trafficking. The clinic began as a pilot project after faculty began receiving requests from law enforcement, shelter services and other community agencies to examine some of the survivors who needed medical care.

While there is no formal mechanism to track the number of human trafficking cases in the United States due to the diverse nature of the crimes and the various local, state and federal agencies involved in working to eradicate human trafficking— Florida is among the top 3 states with the highest number of reported cases to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. The state is considered a national hub for human trafficking due to its tourism, hospitality and agricultural industries.

The University of Miami and Jackson Health System, two nationally known health-care institutions, worked together to formally develop a medical model of care specifically to address the multiple health care needs of human trafficking survivors. The only such program of its kind currently in Florida and only one of a handful of such models in the U.S., THRIVE Clinic offers, primary care, gynecological care, psychiatric and behavioral health services, and specialty care services delivered by University of Miami faculty in one undisclosed location.

Services

THRIVE Clinic provides a survivor-centered approach to multidisciplinary healthcare services for survivors of human trafficking by offering quality and comprehensive trauma-informed care in a private setting. Our core services include:

  • Primary Care Services
  • Gynecology and Obstetrical Services
  • Psychiatry/Behavioral Health Services
  • Pregnancy and Postpartum Addiction Care (integrated prenatal care and substance use treatment for pregnant and postpartum individuals with current or past drug or alcohol use; harm-reduction focused care including medications for addiction, coordination with psychiatry services for perinatal addiction, and social services referrals; and connection to community-based care including residential and intensive outpatient treatment)
  • Specialty Care and Ancillary Services as needed

This unique model of care has added special accommodations, such as:

  • Increased privacy measures
  • Designated private clinic room
  • Minimized wait times and expedited patient registration
  • Trauma-informed trained healthcare team
  • Patient sensitive intake procedures that reduce patient’s re-traumatization of having to retell past human trafficking history
  • Dedicated Patient Navigators, Survivor Advocates and Social Workers to accompany patients to medical visits as necessary
  • Assistance with facilitating the financial assessment process for those who are uninsured

Professional Training

The THRIVE faculty and staff provide education and training for health professionals and outreach to community based organizations. Please reach out to the THRIVE team if you are interested in this resource.

Partners

The University of Miami THRIVE Clinic is proud to have partnered with the following organizations to deliver the finest, comprehensive, trauma-informed care for our patients.

  • Jackson Health System
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • State Attorney’s Office
  • Miami Dade County Coordinated Victims Assistance Center
  • NOVA Southeastern University CREATE Program
  • Camillus House Phoenix Program
  • Lotus Village
  • Kristi House
  • International Rescue Committee
  • Glory House
  • Americans for Immigrant Justice
  • Health Foundation of South Florida
  • St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos Society

Contact Us

To make a referral to our THRIVE Clinic or schedule an appointment, please call

305-243-1046 or e-mail us at THRIVE@miami.edu.

If you are in immediate danger, contact 911. Don’t be afraid. Miami –Dade Law Enforcement has had extensive training to provide victim assistance to assist you and bring you to safety. 

For immediate assistance to report a suspected case of human trafficking or to obtain information, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. You can reach the Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in more than 200 languages. All calls are confidential and answered live by highly trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates.