July 27th - August 2nd is Human Trafficking Awareness Week.

To observe this week, the Tennessee Dept. of Health has teamed up with the national Red Sand Project.

This project aims to raise awareness by spreading red sand into sidewalk cracks to spark conversations.

The red sand symbolizes those members of society who have "fallen through the cracks" and are currently being trafficked. The below excerpt was taken from the 2024 National Human Trafficking Hotline report:

"In the United States, on average, every two minutes, a child is
bought or sold for sex. The average age of a child sold for sex is 13
years old, and Human Trafficking is the second-fastest-growing
criminal industry, just behind Drug Trafficking."

The Wayne County Health Department will have Red Sand packets available for pickup July 27th- 31st from 8am - 4:30pm. All businesses, non-profits, and local organizations are encouraged to participate by picking up red sand to spread in sidewalks, displaying informational handouts, and posting pictures to social media to raise awareness.