Congressman Cohen Re-Introduces Bill to Combat Human Trafficking: The SOAR to Health and Wellness Act

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today introduced a bill that would reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Act. This vital legislation aims to renew and continue essential training for healthcare professionals in identifying and responding to victims of human trafficking. The bill was originally introduced by Congressman Cohen in 2016 and signed into law in 2019. Today's re-introduction of the SOAR Act underscores his ongoing commitment to combatting human trafficking and supporting victim recovery.  The measure was cosponsored by Representatives Ann Wagner (MO-2) and Tony Cárdenas (CA-29).

“Human trafficking remains a pervasive issue that necessitates vigilant and informed responses, especially from those in positions to make a critical difference, such as our healthcare professionals,” said Congressman Cohen. “The SOAR to Health and Wellness Training Program has proven to be an invaluable resource in the fight against human trafficking, equipping frontline workers with the knowledge and tools needed to identify and assist victims effectively. This is a smart use of federal resources, and I’m pleased to reaffirm my dedication to eradicating human trafficking and ensuring the well-being of survivors.” 

The SOAR Act would support efforts at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to combat human trafficking by re-establishing the “Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond to Health and Wellness Training” program. While human trafficking victims are often difficult to identify, many trafficking victims end up in a health care setting at some point while being exploited, including in clinics, emergency rooms and doctors’ offices.  

The SOAR Act would help close the gap in health care settings without plans for treating human trafficking victims by:

• Re-Establishing the “SOAR to Health and Wellness Training” Grant Program: The bill would allocate $4 million annually to fund training for healthcare professionals to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and provide appropriate care to victims; 
• Encouraging an Interdisciplinary Approach: The SOAR Act encourages collaboration among healthcare providers, law enforcement, and service organizations to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice; and
• Providing Continued Support: The bill reinforces commitment to ongoing education and awareness efforts within the healthcare community to address human trafficking. 

Congressman Cohen has been a leading advocate for addressing human trafficking for years. He first introduced the SOAR Act in 2016 following a discussion on human trafficking awareness at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, attended by first responders, health care workers, faith-based groups, and more. The bill’s initial passage and subsequent implementation have marked significant strides in the national effort to combat human trafficking, with tens of thousands of healthcare professionals across the country receiving specialized training.

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