MCPHERSON, Kan. — The Human Trafficking Symposium put on by Paradigm Shift will be at Cedars Wellness Center in McPherson on Feb. 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Attendees are in for a day of insightful discussions and impactful presentations on combating human trafficking. Scheduled speakers are experts in the field and will provide valuable insights on how professionals can create a paradigm shift in addressing this critical issue.
Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the change. Register now and be a part of the solution!
The morning will be focused on data education, knowledge sharing, testimonials, etc., while the afternoon will dive deeper into assisting first responders and healthcare workers on how to idenitfy and support this patient population.
Continuing education hours will be available for the afternoon portion.
Heidi Olson, RN, MSN, CPN, SANE-P is a Certified Pediatric Nurse and Certified Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). Heidi has a wide range of experience in pediatric and forensic nursing and has taught as an adjunct clinical instructor for the University of Missouri at Kansas City and the University of St. Mary’s.
Heidi previously managed the SANE Program at a children’s hospital where she performed/reviewed over 1,500 pediatric forensic exams, many of them trafficking cases, communicated with law enforcement, child protective services, and a large multidisciplinary team, as well as educated hundreds of staff members on relevant topics regarding sexual violence. Heidi also serves as an expert witness for the prosecution during trials for victims of sexual assault.
In 2019, Heidi implemented an evidence-based screening process in the Emergency Department, which has resulted in hundreds of vulnerable children being identified as victims of exploitation. Heidi started and led the human trafficking work group at a children’s hospital, presents with the Anti Internet Child Exploitation Team (a Canadian non-profit), and organized Empower KC, a community event to raise awareness about sexual exploitation in Kansas City. Heidi has testified in favor of bills that have been passed into law on the state level and most recently, Heidi testified at a briefing on Capitol Hill about protecting children online.