HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOSTS RED SAND PROJECT
HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOSTS RED SAND PROJECT
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department hosted a Red Sand Project event Thursday morning to raise awareness of human trafficking.
The Red Sand Project is a collaborative art installation designed to shed light on human trafficking. Participants pour red sand in sidewalk cracks to draw attention to trafficking victims who “fall through the cracks” of society. The Health Department partnered with WRAP and the Scarlet Rope Project in the effort.
“Human trafficking is a major public health concern and must be stopped,” said Konisha Williams, JMCHD Community Health and Wellness Director.
Human trafficking is a crime in which force, fraud or coercion is used to compel a person to perform labor, services or commercial sex. It affects all populations: adults, children, men, women, foreign nationals and U.S. citizens, and all economic classes. Human trafficking is the second fastest-growing criminal industry behind drug trafficking, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
“By increasing awareness of this hidden crime that is happening in Tennessee communities, we hope to make a difference in the lives of victims,” Williams said.
There are several signs to look for if you believe someone is being trafficked:
Generally anxious and fearful of authority figures
Not allowed to speak for themselves, or control their own cellphones, documents, etc.
Has a prepaid “burner” cell phone
Avoids eye contact
Branded or marked with a tattoo, such as a man’s name, money symbol or bar code
To report suspected trafficking, call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484 or text BeFree to 233733.
For more information about the Red Sand Project, go to https://redsandproject.org and https://humantraffickinghotline.org.
