Lucas County proclaims January 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention Month; local partners recognized

The Lucas County Board of Commissioners unanimously proclaimed January 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention Month during its Jan. 27 meeting, citing years of local coalition work and expanded regional partnerships aimed at prevention, survivor support and public education.

Unidentified Speaker 8 introduced the proclamation and said the county is joined by “representatives from Northern Ohio REACH” and the University of Toledo Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute in recognizing the month. Unidentified Speaker 7 traced local anti‑trafficking efforts back to 2008 and noted a subsequent U.S. Department of Justice grant and regional coordination beginning in 2013 that expanded services and training.

Speakers from community organizations and education urged continued prevention efforts and emphasized front‑line training for school staff. “Thousands of individuals each year receive education on how to recognize trafficking indicators, respond safely, and connect victims to support,” a representative of Northern Ohio REACH said during remarks acknowledging coalition partners and service providers.

A speaker representing the Toledo Federation of Teachers described a long-running program to train educators statewide after an unfunded state mandate and warned that cuts to school-based social supports could increase students’ vulnerability. “We … created training, and we subsequently trained thousands of people across the state,” that speaker said, urging continued local coordination.

The clerk called the roll for the proclamation motion and commissioners recorded affirmative votes. The board voiced support for ongoing collaboration among law enforcement, schools, health providers and direct‑service agencies as the county implements awareness and prevention activities.