(HAMILTON TWP., NJ) – Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV) hosted the 5th Annual Human Trafficking Summit “A Path To Safety: The Healthcare Connection” on April 22, 2026 from 10am to 12:30pm at The Stone Terrace in Hamilton Twp., NJ. The event featured a keynote address from Chief Andrew Caggiano, President of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and a keynote presentation by Dr. Nicole Harris-Hollingsworth, EdD, MCHES, Senior Vice President, Social Impact & Population Health at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The event also included a panel discussion with subject matter experts from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Legislature, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the New York City Police Department. The dynamic, collaborative roundtable focused around resource sharing and preparing to address human trafficking associated with the 2026 World Cup.
“With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, our focus is on strengthening the partnerships and systems that are necessary in identifying and supporting survivors,”said Amanda Leese, VOADV Senior Vice President of Program Operations.“Healthcare settings are uniquely positioned as critical connection points, and by coming together to discuss awareness, preventation and response strategies, we can create more opportunities to support those most at risk.”
“As the FIFA World Cup draws millions of visitors to our region, we must also acknowledge a critical public safety concern: large-scale events can present increased opportunities for human trafficking activity. That is why law enforcement is working in close partnership with communities to advance urgent awareness and prevention initiatives—training venue staff, hotel employees, transportation providers, and fans to recognize key warning signs. These may include individuals who appear fearful or controlled, avoid eye contact, are unable to speak for themselves, or lack possession of personal documents,” said Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, Deputy Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and Incident Commander for FIFA NY/NJ World Cup. “This is our opportunity to channel global excitement into meaningful protection—remaining vigilant, speaking up, and ultimately making our communities safer.”
The Summit opened with a keynote address by Chief Andrew Caggiano, President of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.
“Major international sporting events like the 2026 World Cup are known to attract human traffickers who exploit the surge in travel, tourism, and demand,” said NJSACOP President Andrew Caggiano. “As law enforcement leaders, we cannot afford to wait until this premier tournament begins to act. That is why collaborative efforts like the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley Human Trafficking Summit are so critically important — bringing together law enforcement, healthcare professionals, legislators, and advocacy organizations now, so that we are prepared, coordinated, and ready to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities when the world comes to New Jersey this summer.”
The event also included a presentation by Dr. Nicole Harris-Hollingsworth, EdD, MCHES, Senior Vice President, Social Impact & Population Health at Hackensack Meridian Health.
“Healthcare professionals are on the front lines and often represent the first, and sometimes only, safe and trusted touchpoint for a victim of human trafficking,” said Dr. Nicole Harris-Hollingsworth, Senior Vice President of Social Impact & Population Health at Hackensack Meridian Health. “At Hackensack Meridian Health, we see it as our fundamental responsibility to not only treat a patient’s immediate medical needs but also to address the underlying social factors that make them vulnerable. This Summit is a critical step in strengthening the ecosystem of care and protection. By working hand-in-hand with law enforcement and community organizations, we can ensure that as our region welcomes the world for the 2026 World Cup, we have a robust network ready to identify those at risk, provide a safe haven, and connect them with the comprehensive resources they need to reclaim their lives.”
Designed to encourage information sharing and open communication between law enforcement, service providers and legislators, an interactive roundtable discussion concluded the Summit. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions and provide input as to what survivors, victims, and at-risk populations need to best serve them as the World Cup approaches. Panelists were:
- Jayson Abadia, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
- Detective Sergeant First Class Richard Hershey, New Jersey State Police Human Trafficking Unit
- Dr. Nicole Harris-Hollingsworth, EdD, MCHES, Sr. VP, Social Impact & Population Health, Hackensack Meridian Health
- Senator Angela McKnight, New Jersey 31st Legislative District
- Detective Liam O’Hara, Human Trafficking Squad, New York City Police Department
- Senator Vincent J. Polistina, Deputy Conference Leader, New Jersey 2nd Legislative District
- Giacomo Sacca, Chief of Police, City of Elizabeth
- Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, Deputy Superintendent, New Jersey State Police
“I was very happy to once again participate in VOA’s Human Trafficking Summit today,” said Senator Vincent Polistina Deputy Conference Leader, New Jersey 2nd Legislative District.
“Human trafficking unfortunately remains an issue in Atlantic County, and today’s roundtable discussion with policy experts, hospital systems, and law enforcement highlighted the critical importance of the coordination of services amongst these groups in engaging with survivors of human trafficking. This discussion is especially important right now as New Jersey prepares to host the FIFA World Cup this summer.”
“Ending human trafficking requires a coordinated, sustained effort among law enforcement, healthcare providers, and elected leaders, so it was great to join VOA’s Human Trafficking Summit for a meaningful conversation about the steps we are taking to ensure that every person can safely enjoy the World Cup this summer,” said Senator Angela V. McKnight of New Jersey’s 31st Legislative District. “As a legislator, I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening support systems for survivors, and holding traffickers accountable. Discussions like these are critical—they uplift our work and help shape stronger, more effective policy.”
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About Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV)
Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV) is a local affiliate of the national, non-profit organization, Volunteers of America, and provides essential services to our community’s most vulnerable individuals. Each year, VOADV serves more than 13,000 individuals throughout the southern New Jersey and Philadelphia region and operates more than 40 high quality, outcome-driven assistance programs – from homelessness, reentry, veterans assistance and affordable housing services to specialized programs for victims of human trafficking and individuals with addiction, traumatic brain injury and intellectual disabilities. To learn more, visit: www.voadv.org.
