HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN RED SAND PROJECT TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department will participate in the Red Sand Project to raise awareness about human trafficking. Staff will pour red sand in sidewalk cracks outside the health department on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 8:30 a.m.
The Red Sand Project is an art installment designed to shed light on human trafficking. The red sand is used to draw attention to the human trafficking victims who fall through the cracks of society.
“Human trafficking is a major public health concern,” Health Educator Amanda Johnson said. “We want to raise awareness about this crime so people know what to look for and how to get help.”
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, on average, every two minutes, a child is bought or sold for sex in the United States. The average age of a child sold for sex is 13-years-old. Human trafficking is the second-fastest growing criminal industry, according to TBI.
Human trafficking victims and survivors can suffer from physical and psychological health issues. Health concerns commonly reported in trafficking victims can include:
Sexually transmitted diseases
HIV/AIDS
Unintended pregnancy or high-risk pregnancy
Substance abuse or addiction
Undetected or untreated diseases, such as diabetes or cancer
Human trafficking is a hidden crime. Victims might be afraid to come forward, or may not recognize the signs. Common signs of human trafficking can include:
Lack of health care and/or denied medical services by employer
Fears authority figures (law enforcement)
Has a prepaid “burner” cell phone
Avoids eye contact
Branded or marked with a tattoo, such as a man’s name, symbol of money and/or bar code
Not able to speak for him or herself
If you or someone you know needs help to escape trafficking, call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484 or text BEFREE to 233733.
