“Human Trafficking in our Communities” Snack and Learn Event Scheduled for Sept. 28

The Loring Hospital Auxiliary and Sac City’s Chamber Main Street are co-sponsoring an educational “snack and learn” event entitled, “Human Trafficking in our Communities,” at 5 p.m. on Sept. 28 at Unity Church in Sac City. The event will feature guest speaker Jacqueline White, who is a Human Trafficking Instructor with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. 

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. This crime occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against his or her will. 

Though the crime has occurred for decades, the topic has recently raised a lot of discussion and awareness following the release of the 2023 movie, “Sound of Freedom.” According to the U.S. Department of State, on average 2.5 million people are trafficked worldwide; 2 million are children being sex trafficked. With two major interstates intersecting, traveling in and out of Iowa is quick and efficient. Interstate 35 and Interstate 80 significantly help those wishing to profit off the suffering of others. 

As a former military police officer, correctional officer, and police officer for the city of Huxley, Iowa, White has had the opportunity to work in law enforcement for approximately ten years. White holds a degree in social work from the University of Iowa, and while earning her bachelor’s degree, she completed an internship at Blank Children's STAR Center where she found her passion for human trafficking.  

In addition, White has been a member of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and the Domestic Assault Response Team (DART) since 2017. She also assisted in the introduction of Human Trafficking Protocols for several agencies in the state for law enforcement. White is currently a member of the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators (IAHTI) and the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking (NAHT). 

The program is open to the public at no cost, and healthcare professionals may receive two continuing education hours for attending. Light refreshments will be provided for all attendees. For questions, please contact Teresa Wirtjers at 712-662-6419 or twirtjers@loringhosp.org.