Ayesha Williams is the Senior Director of the Health and Wellness and Human Trafficking Division at FLITE Center of Broward County, whose mission is to guide those aging out of foster care and other vulnerable youth for a successful transition to independence through housing, education, employment, and system of care coordination. 

“A lot of times, young adults aging out of foster care or survivors of human trafficking don’t feel comfortable going to the doctor outside of our clinic because it means reliving their trauma or experiencing the fear of being judged for their past. The doctor might not be trained in trauma-informed care. That’s not the case at our clinic. The medical professionals here know the right questions to ask and what medical tests our clients may need. The CDTC doctors create a safe place for our clients and allow them to feel comfortable in expressing themselves and getting the medical care they need.” 

Influenced by multiple factors, including a high incidence of poverty, exposure to trauma, and chronic medical conditions, youth in foster care and those aging out face medical and mental health challenges at significantly higher rates than other children. Despite being eligible for health insurance, many do not access health services appropriately or in a timely manner. As a result, they rely upon the emergency room as their usual source of care. In response, the Health Foundation has funded the “Healthy Connections” program at FLITE to connect at-risk youth with primary and preventive healthcare services using a Health Navigator.