Red Sand Project Held in Jackson to Spread Awareness of Human Trafficking

JACKSON Tn.-The Jackson Madison County Regional Health Department partnered with WRAP and Scarlet Rope to host the Red Sand Project on Thursday afternoon. The Red Sand Project is a collaborative art installation used to raise awareness of human trafficking.

“The red sand represents the individuals that have fallen through the cracks, pretty much meaning the individual that did not get the services and the support that they needed, that if that were experiencing any human trafficking,” Konisha Williams, Community Health Director.

Williams explains that it is important to educate the public about the signs of human trafficking and what they should be aware of.

“And a lot of times victims do not seek help due to language barriers or just fear of the traffickers or just fear of law enforcement in general. So we have to be aware of the signs to find some of the signs or if an individual appears malnourished, if they appear injured or have any signs of physical abuse, if they avoid any, eye contact social interaction.”

The Community Health Director tells 39 News how the Red Sand Project has created opportunities for people to become more educated about this public health concern.

“You have some people that don't even know what human trafficking is. They may have heard of it or just don't know anything, any facts or anything about it. And there's a lot of misconception about human trafficking because a lot of people think that it does not happen in the United States. And that's not true either,” explains Konisha Williams, Community Health Director.

Statistics state that Over 200,00 people are trafficked yearly in the U.S. If you or someone you know may be affected by human trafficking, you can call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484.