“My prayer is that every student leaves this training empowered to see that the Lord is positioning them to save lives,” said Reed. “I hope our organization’s mission gives future healthcare professionals the confidence and courage to stand up for the oppressed and fight for those others may overlook.”
A recent PubMed survey of 173 U.S. human trafficking survivors found that 68% had seen a healthcare provider while being trafficked. Yet human trafficking is too often viewed as a distant issue. In reality, this crisis affects not only the nation but also local communities.
On Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m., Mandy Reed, founder of Dear Dinah — a Dayton, Ohio–based nonprofit that provides refuge and community for human trafficking survivors — will lead a two-hour training session for Cedarville University students in the DeVries Theatre, located in the Stevens Student Center.
Reed’s organization is partnering with Cedarville’s pharmacy, physician assistant, athletic training, allied health, pre-med, social work, nursing and psychology programs to equip future healthcare providers with the skills needed to identify and care for trafficking survivors.
Reed will be joined by Dr. Rachel Massey, a 2025 Doctor of Pharmacy alumna and current pharmacy resident at Kettering Health in Kettering, Ohio, and Katie Sheppard, a survivor of human trafficking and member of the Dear Dinah board.
“The healthcare setting is one of the few places where professionals can be up close with a potential trafficking victim,” said Reed. “Because they can look, touch and ask questions unique to their role, healthcare workers have an incredible opportunity to intervene. Recognizing the signs of human trafficking in these moments can save lives.”
The name “Dear Dinah” comes from Genesis 34, which recounts the story of Dinah, Jacob’s only daughter, who was assaulted by the son of a Hivite prince. Moved by her story, Reed founded the nonprofit to advocate for modern-day Dinahs — women and men who have experienced sexual exploitation — and to offer a safe place for survivors to heal and rediscover their voices.
For more than five years, Dear Dinah has provided support services, mentorship and trauma-informed care to survivors across the Miami Valley region. Over the past three years, the organization has partnered with Cedarville University to deliver specialized training that prepares students to serve vulnerable populations.
To healthcare professionals, signs of trafficking may first appear as substance abuse, physical trauma, malnutrition, unplanned pregnancy, chronic illness or other medical concerns. But when providers create a safe space, ask the right questions and offer support, they can connect survivors to the help they need.
“Reed continually reminds our healthcare students that they have a unique opportunity to encounter individuals who may be trafficked and to show them genuine care and compassion,” said Angela Wilson, director of community engagement for Cedarville’s School of Pharmacy.
During the session, speakers will outline how human trafficking may present in healthcare settings, the questions providers should ask, and strategies for offering immediate and long-term support. Students will also explore how to serve patients with empathy and humility, reflecting Christ’s example in caring for the oppressed.
“My prayer is that every student leaves this training empowered to see that the Lord is positioning them to save lives,” said Reed. “I hope our organization’s mission gives future healthcare professionals the confidence and courage to stand up for the oppressed and fight for those others may overlook.”
As human trafficking continues to grow as a national and global crisis, Cedarville University’s healthcare programs remain committed to preparing professionals who not only recognize the signs but also advocate for and protect the most vulnerable.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.