Human Trafficking Awareness Month See Something, Say Something

Being educated on the things to look for can help save a life. As the new year rolls in, the opportunity to raise awareness on Human Trafficking and Smuggling is upon us. Over the past several months human trafficking has come to the forefront of the national media and local community awareness efforts. As the new year begins, a new awareness opportunity is before us. National Human Trafficking Awareness Day was January 11, but the attention to the issue isn’t limited to one day.

“Every day we come to work to prevent and rescue people from human trafficking,” Oscar Villarreal, Texas Department of Public Safety, said. “Our focus every day is safe guarding the citizens of Texas and the nation who are traveling through our state all the time.”

Throughout the month of January, in conjunction with National Human Trafficking Awareness Month Texas DPS increases educational information regarding signs to look for, awareness and safety tips across social media platforms and outreach efforts. In 2011 President Barack Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation, designating each January to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The anniversary of the proclamation became known as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day – January 11.

“On the enforcement side, this is something we tackle everyday by the people with boots on the ground,” he said.

The focus isn’t only on human trafficking and smuggling, but crosses into safety on social media platforms for teens and young adults. Being aware of what children and young adults are doing on the internet know a days is important and one of the first steps to limiting the dangers from entering your home and family.

“Apps like Snapchat and Instagram which primarily use photos as a way of communicating; a child may post a completely innocent post at the park by themselves … you have to think what did you just do?” Villarreal said. “You let everyone who has access to that public domain know you are alone, at the park … you aren’t doing anything wrong, but at the same time, is it the safest thing to do. You have to think there could be someone on the other end of that and the potential for kidnapping just opened a door.”

In 2009, Texas Department of Public Safety developed a program Interdiction for the Protection of Children

(IPC). The program is applicable to all levels of law enforcement. Major Derek Prestridge developed the program and curriculum.

“The primary message of this program is to teach us to stop waiting for children to tell us where they are and that they are victims of

Currently SMMC does not have any first dose Covid-19 vaccines set to be delivered. No word has been received from the State on the next allocation of first doses.

Scenic Mountain Medical Center has reported 1/18/2021:

• 4 Covid-19 positive patients

• 2 in ICU & 2 vents

SMMG & SMMC Testing through Jan. 18:

• 2903 tests

• 742 positives for 25.6% positivity rate

• No pending

From Dec. 2020 - Jan. 18, 967 patients have tested of which 232 were positive for a rate of 24% positivity. no tests are pending.

Outpatient COVID testing in Big Spring

Gregg Street Clinic 2301 South Gregg St Big Spring, Texas 79720 Clinic Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday

910 S Main St

Big Spring, TX 79720 Clinic Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday

West Texas Medical Plaza 1501 W 11th Place Big Spring, Texas 79720 Clinic Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday

Big Spring Urgent Care 1700 W. FM 700 Suite B

Affordacare 710 S. Gregg Street