The Morgan County Commission voted Dec. 17 to proclaim January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the county.

Erin Harris Smith, who identified herself as a representative of the human trafficking task force, asked the board to adopt the proclamation and outlined plans for an awareness observance. After the commission president read the text of the proclamation in full, the president moved to adopt it. "I'll make a motion to proclaim January Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Morgan County," the motion recorder said; the board responded with a voice vote in favor.

The proclamation, which cites the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and national victim estimates, calls on "residents, community organizations, businesses and government agencies to increase their participation and support in our collective efforts to eradicate human trafficking and make Morgan County a safe and just community for all." County officials said they expect a short ceremony and a photo to mark the adoption.

Why it matters: The proclamation signals local recognition by the commission of human‑trafficking risks and invites a coordinated community response. It also creates a visible moment for task‑force members, service providers and county departments to publicize prevention and survivor support resources.

The commission did not attach new funding to the proclamation at the meeting; staff and task‑force members will coordinate next steps and outreach in early January.