FirstMed Health and Wellness Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) for under-served and low-income families in Southern Nevada, has partnered with U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and local transit centers in an effort to combat human trafficking in Southern Nevada. The organization recently participated in a press conference with Sen. Cortez Masto at Southern Nevada Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to discuss the senator’s proposed legislation that will help prevent human trafficking at transit centers throughout Nevada.
FirstMed’s Board Chairwoman Helen Foley spoke alongside Sen. Cortez Masto at the press conference, as well as MJ Maynard, CEO of the RTC, and Rosemary Vassiliadis, director of aviation with Harry Reid International Airport. Each discussed their supporting roles on the initiative, including human trafficking intervention and rehabilitation services.
“We are proud to take part in the formation of this dynamic partnership, not only with Sen. Cortez Masto, but with RTC and the Harry Reid International Airport as well,” said FirstMed CEO Angela Quinn. “Nevada currently ranks ninth in the nation for human trafficking, which means we must urgently act as a community to combine our resources in effort to combat this crisis.”
The Reduce Human Trafficking through Transportation Act will provide transportation and resource centers with funding for ongoing human trafficking prevention programs, awareness campaigns and staff intervention and identification training.
“Safety is the No. 1 issue,” said Foley. “Once the survivors are safe and away from the predators, they are taken in and provided with physical care and an abundance of mental health and behavioral health care from our health and wellness centers.”
As part of the proposed legislation, FirstMed will be notified when an individual contacts the national human trafficking hotline, displayed throughout transit center bathrooms, and when victims request a safe space in a transit vehicle or facility. Depending on the individual’s status, FirstMed will decide to either provide immediate security services or medical attention. With the survivor’s consent, they will receive physical, mental and rehabilitation services regardless of their financial situation.
“Thanks to Sen. Cortez Masto and her legislation, we now have the funding to extend our efforts with RTC and the Harry Reid International Airport,” said Quinn. “Our 40 mental health providers will continue serving these survivors and our community.”
FirstMed, and Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC), provides comprehensive, trauma-informed, wrap-around services to help heal and stabilize victims, reducing the likelihood of repeat victimization. The center also offers a 24-hour crisis hotline available for victims to request immediate help, at 702-731-0909.
For more information about FirstMed Health and Wellness Center or to schedule an appointment, visit www.fmhw.org.
ABOUT FIRSTMED HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Founded in 2009, FirstMed Health and Wellness Center is 501c3 Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) that provides comprehensive preventative and primary health care services and mental health services to the low income and under-served families in Southern Nevada. In 2021, FirstMed Health and Wellness Center was recognized among the top 20 percent of all FQHCs in the country, which is based on patient outcomes. The center is the only nonprofit in the U.S. to have both the FQHC and CCBHC certifications.
The organization has more than 100 team members across three clinics located at 400 Shadow Lane, 3343 South Eastern Ave. and 3940 North Martin Luther King Blvd. To learn more about FirstMed Health and Wellness Center’s services or to schedule an appointment, visit www.fmhw.org or call 702-731-0909.