New York: On January 8, 2025, Northwell Health hosted the Healthcare Leadership Summit and Technical Workshop to address the pressing issue of forced labor risks within healthcare supply chains. Held at Northwell Health in New York, the event brought together a distinguished group of executives, lived experience experts, Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs), and supply chain leaders from healthcare providers. This critical discussion aimed to shed light on forced labor risks and explore actionable solutions for a more ethical and transparent supply chain.
The summit began with opening remarks by Katherine Chon, Director of the Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Chon highlighted the federal government’s commitment to addressing forced labor and human trafficking, emphasizing the healthcare sector’s unique role in fostering systemic change. Dr. Debbie Salas-Lopez, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President of Community Wellness and Population Health at Northwell Health, followed with a compelling message on the need for healthcare leaders to champion integrity, transparency, and human dignity within their supply chains.
January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, an annual campaign since 2010 that raises awareness about human trafficking and educates the public on identifying and preventing this global crime. The healthcare sector, with its complex supply chains, remains uniquely vulnerable to the risks of forced labor. As such, the summit provided a timely platform for meaningful dialogue and transformative action.
Harold D’Souza: A Beacon of Resilience and Change
Globally recognized and respected human rights advocate Harold D’Souza delivered a powerful keynote address at the summit. Drawing on his personal journey and professional expertise, D’Souza highlighted key red flags, challenges, solutions, and resources related to labor trafficking. His inspirational journey—from pain to pleasure, hurt to happiness, slavery to success, and fear to freedom—left delegates deeply moved.
D’Souza’s presentation emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare leaders, GPOs, and supply chain experts to mitigate risks and ensure ethical practices. Delegates were profoundly impacted by his practical insights and personal resilience, noting that his words ignited a renewed sense of urgency and hope for addressing labor trafficking in healthcare supply chains.
A Visit to The Brahma Kumaris: Enlightenment and Inspiration
Ahead of the summit, on January 7, 2025, Harold D’Souza visited The Brahma Kumaris in New York, where he was warmly welcomed by Sister Anjani. Describing the visit as “enlightening, awakening, and inspiring,” D’Souza shared that it strengthened his resolve to continue his mission to combat labor trafficking.
Sister Anjani praised Harold’s unwavering commitment, stating: “Harold has unshakable faith in his purpose and trust in himself. He does not allow doubts to enter his mind, and therefore, he reaches his goals.”
This spiritual interlude reinforced Harold’s dedication to his work, setting the tone for his impactful participation in the summit.
A National and Global Call to Action
In his address, Harold D’Souza reiterated the importance of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and the healthcare sector’s responsibility to lead by example in eradicating forced labor. By prioritizing transparency, due diligence, and survivor-centric approaches, healthcare leaders can create a safer, fairer supply chain that aligns with human rights principles.
Northwell Health’s efforts to convene such an esteemed group of stakeholders reflects their commitment to addressing this critical issue. The event provided a collaborative platform to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and advance solutions that safeguard human dignity within the supply chain.
A Legacy of Leadership
Harold D’Souza’s unwavering dedication to human rights has earned him international acclaim. In 2023, he received the prestigious United Nations Human Rights Hero Award at the U.N. Headquarters in New York. This accolade recognizes his tireless efforts to combat modern-day slavery and his transformative impact on the global human rights landscape.
As the summit concluded, Harold D’Souza left the audience with a call to action: “Together, we can dismantle the systems that enable forced labor and create a world where freedom and dignity are fundamental rights for all.”
For more information on Harold D’Souza and his advocacy work, visit Eyes Open International or contact Northwell Health for details on the Healthcare Leadership Summit.