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News & Updates

United States Department of Health and Human Services Announces Anti-Trafficking Hotline

On March 11, 2004, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced a major public awareness effort to combat human trafficking and help its victims, including a toll-free hotline.

The new tools include:

• A toll-free number (888-373-7888) run by the Covenant House, sponsored by HHS in collaboration with the Department of Justice, to allow victims of trafficking to be instantly referred to a pre-screened aid organization in the victim's area. The number will become active by the week of March 15, 2003.
• A Web site (www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking) that serves as a clearinghouse on helping victims of human trafficking.
• Initially, a three-city public awareness effort (Philadelphia, Atlanta and Phoenix) to educate Americans on the problem of human trafficking and how they can help victims in their community.
• A public service television announcement, shared by HHS and the United Nations, to educate the public, at the national level, on the issue of human trafficking.

The initiative is administered by HHS’ Administration for Children and Families and its Office of Refugee Resettlement.

For the full-text of the press release go to: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20040311a.html.