Media Advisory
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Office of Public Affairs Washington, DC	For Immediate Release Date: July 25, 2007 Contact: Tara Wall Phone: 202-401-9215

 

Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking Launches in Columbus
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families
Awareness Campaign Helps Identify and Assist Victims

Columbus, OH — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will announce the formation of its newest Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking coalition to address the issue of human trafficking. The Columbus group will join a national Rescue & Restore network of 20 coalitions intended to provide outreach and training to those most likely to encounter victims – social service organizations, local law enforcement, and healthcare professionals. Following the press conference, HHS and ACF will provide training to help the Columbus community recognize the signs of human trafficking and learn how to take action to help victims.

WHO:	Maureen Lydon, Regional Director,U.S . Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Congresswoman DeborahPryce (R-OH) Brian J. Laliberte, Deputy First Assistant Attorney General and Chief Deputy for Criminal Justice, Office of the Ohio Attorney General Angela Plummer, Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS)
WHAT:	Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking coalition launch
WHEN:	Press Conference: Monday, July 30, 2007, 10:00 a.m.
WHERE:	The Ohio Statehouse – The Atrium (Between Third and State Streets) Columbus, OH 43215

The Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking campaign aims to educate Americans about the problem of human trafficking and how they can “Look Beneath the Surface” to help victims in their own community. The 24-hour National Human Trafficking Resource Center, 888-3737-888, provides instant referrals for victims’ services through social service organizations in the caller’s city. Visit the Rescue & Restore Web site at: www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking, for more information.