Pharmacy Heroes Against Trafficking: January 2025 Charity of the Month

Every year, thousands of children vanish across America, many of them exploited through human trafficking and abuse. It’s a painful and complicated issue that requires the collective effort of communities, law enforcement, nonprofits, and individuals to make a difference. 

This January, through the CharityRx Pharmacy Heroes Against Trafficking (PHAT) initiative, we’re spotlighting the heroic work of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). When you use the CharityRx prescription discount card, you can help support the fight against child exploitation while saving money on your medicines at the pharmacy. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

Here’s what you need to know about the issue of missing and exploited children, how NCMEC is addressing it, and how you can get involved.

Understanding the Scope of Missing and Exploited Children in America

Children go missing for a myriad of reasons—family breakdowns, running away, or falling victim to kidnappings or trafficking rings. Alarmingly, some of these children become victims of child sex trafficking. In this horrendous crime, traffickers exploit children through commercial sex acts such as receiving money, food, or shelter in exchange for sex.

The statistics are staggering:

• In 2023 alone, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received over 18,400 reports of possible child sex trafficking.
• 1 in 6 cases of missing children reported to NCMEC in 2023 were likely victims of sex trafficking.
• Children who had run away from child welfare systems were particularly at risk, with 19% of these cases involving likely sex trafficking victims.
• Beyond these numbers are real and lasting impacts. Survivors of trafficking often face long-term psychological, physical, and emotional trauma. The effects of trafficking are why prevention, recovery, and community involvement are critical.

The Role of NCMEC in Protecting Vulnerable Children

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is at the forefront of combatting child exploitation in America. Their critical programs aim to recover missing children, support families, and provide resources for prevention and awareness.

Key Initiatives by NCMEC:

• CyberTipline Reports: Essential tools to alert law enforcement about suspected child exploitation cases.
• Recovery Services: NCMEC provides trauma-informed resources for child welfare professionals and families assisting youth who have been trafficked.
• Survivor-Informed Advocacy: Incorporating insights from survivors of child trafficking to shape programs and improve outcomes.
• Training for Law Enforcement and Advocates: NCMEC provides free training to equip professionals and communities with the tools to fight trafficking and exploitation.
• Peer Support Programs: Programs like Team HOPE connect families of exploited children with support from others who’ve been through similar crises.

To continue this vital work, NCMEC relies on donations and community support. CharityRx, through its PHAT initiative and your donations, is stepping in to help.

How PHAT and CharityRx Are Making an Impact

This January, the CharityRx PHAT (Pharmacy Heroes Against Trafficking) initiative will donate to NCMEC as its Charity of the Month. Through this partnership, CharityRx aims to generate funds to help NCMEC protect and rescue vulnerable children. 

Here’s how it works:

• Fill Prescriptions, Make a Difference: With every prescription filled using the CharityRx prescription discount card, a portion of the savings is donated to NCMEC through the PHAT fund.
• Save Money and Support a Cause: Customers can save up to 95% on prescription medications at pharmacies while contributing to a vital cause.
• Transparent Giving: Every filled prescription using the CharityRx card contributes directly to the mission of protecting and recovering missing and exploited children.

Whether you’re a pharmacy customer, staff member, or sales rep, using and promoting the CharityRx card is a simple yet powerful way to contribute.

What You Can Do to Help

Stopping child exploitation and trafficking isn’t just the responsibility of organizations like NCMEC—it’s something everyone can help with. Here’s how you can make an impact:

1. Use the CharityRx Prescription Discount Card
   Every time you fill a prescription with the CharityRx card, you donate directly to the fight against child exploitation. It’s a win-win for everyone—save on your medications and support a vital cause.

2. Educate Yourself and Others
   Learn how to spot indicators of child exploitation. Traffickers prey on vulnerable children, often targeting those experiencing homelessness, family instability, or low self-esteem. For educational resources, visit NCMEC’s Education page.

3. Report Suspicious Activity
   If you suspect child exploitation, report it to NCMEC’s CyberTipline at 1-800-843-5678 or make an online report. Your vigilance could make all the difference.

4. Volunteer or Donate
   Consider volunteering with organizations like NCMEC or making a direct contribution—donations fund recovery services, peer support, and awareness campaigns, all critical to protecting vulnerable children. Learn more at support NCMEC.

5. Spread the Word
   Encourage friends, family, or pharmacy customers to use the CharityRx discount card to save on prescriptions and contribute to a cause that protects children.

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Identifying Victims of Trafficking: The Role of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system and can be instrumental in identifying potential victims of trafficking. Here are some ways they can contribute to this important cause:

• Enhancing Awareness: Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can stay informed about the signs and indicators of human trafficking, including unusual prescription patterns, frequent use of false identification, or individuals who seem fearful or controlled by others.
• Building Trust and Providing a Safe Environment: By fostering a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can create a safe space for individuals who may be victims of trafficking to share their concerns or seek help.
• Observing and Reporting: Being attentive to unusual or suspicious behaviors, such as individuals accompanied by someone who exhibits controlling behavior, multiple individuals using the same prescription, or signs of physical abuse, can prompt pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to report their observations to the appropriate authorities or designated organizations.
• Collaborating with Healthcare Professionals: Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, to share information and support trafficking victims.

By being vigilant, compassionate, and proactive, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can make a significant impact in identifying and assisting victims of trafficking, ultimately contributing to the fight against this heinous crime.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Protecting children from exploitation starts with individual action, and as a community, our impact can be extraordinary. By using the CharityRx prescription discount card, you’re not just saving money—you’re actively contributing to the fight against child trafficking and abuse.

Every prescription filled brings us one step closer to a future where children are safe, protected, and free to thrive. Join us this January in supporting PHAT and NCMEC; together, we can help protect the most vulnerable among us.
To learn more about CharityRx, visit CharityRx.com.

HOW CAN I HELP?

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Sources:

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Impact
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Trafficking
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Support Us
• Pharmacy Times, “Overcoming Our Blind Spots”, April 14, 2023