1-21-26 Commissioners Issue Proclamation For Human Trafficking Awareness And Prevention Month (Photo) - 01/21/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 21, 2026

Commissioners Issue Proclamation for Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month

(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe the month of January as National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month.  The proclamation was issued to raise awareness that human trafficking is a modern form of slavery and to support the efforts of local agencies that work tirelessly to provide prevention education; conduct local trainings for first responders, law enforcement, and medical students; offer victim assistance programs; advocate for legislation; and address the complex needs of local survivors. The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Chris Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “It is a critical time to shine a light on one of the world’s most devastating crimes and understand how our everyday connections play a vital role in preventing human trafficking.” 

Commissioner Tom Kress presented a proclamation certificate to Marion Pearson, Violence Prevention Coordinator for the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force (Up2UsNow Child Abuse Prevention Coalition), as well as members of the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force including Lisa Platt, Rachelle Carter, Mariah Smith, Kim Swenson, Courtney Burford, Abby Drummond, Nancy Lovers, Robert Braisted, Joanna Rambow, Kim Gandy, Rob Gandy, Lonnie Williams, Detective Matt Kennedy, Detective Kevon Dodds, Detective Travis Whetzel, Detective Chris Taylor, Lieutenant Kelly Bean, Officer Craig Kennerly, Officer Todd Spingath, Police Chief Marty Case, Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein, Tayler Dahl, (RPD employee); Detective Kevin Taggart, Sheriff John Hanlin, Undersheriff Brad O’Dell, and Shawn Stanphill. 

“We started the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force back in 2014 with the idea of finding out what was going on in our community.   It turned out that we had some issues here with exploitation and human trafficking and we didn’t have a lot of resources.  The task force was formally established in 2015, receiving certification from the Oregon Department of Justice and hosting state-level detectives to train local professionals. Since then, we have provided endless educational sessions, training, tools and resources to our communities.  This is huge issue and a community issue that requires a community response.  Without the support of our member agencies, we just could not accomplish this all by ourselves.  So, on behalf of the task force, Mercy Foundation, CHI Mercy Medical Center and our community, thank you so much Commissioners for issuing this proclamation naming January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Douglas County,” stated Marion Pearson, Violence Prevention Coordinator for the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force (Up2UsNow Child Abuse Prevention Coalition through the Mercy Foundation).

The Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force is a coalition of more than 25 partner agencies committed to educating the community about how human trafficking occurs, recognizing red flags and indicators, understanding risk factors, and accessing available resources.  The coalition includes Oregon Department of Human Services; Douglas Public Health Network; CHI Mercy Health; Common Spirit Health; CHI Mercy Foundation; Dr. Beth Gallant; Aviva Health & Wellness; HIV Alliance; Douglas CARES; ADAPT Oregon; Peace at Home; Cow Creek Tribe of the Umpqua Band of Indians, Roseburg Police Department; Sutherlin Police Department; Myrtle Creek Police Department; Winston Police Department; Reedsport Police Department; Cow Creek Tribal Police Department; Douglas County Sheriff’s Office; Douglas County Search & Rescue; Douglas County Juvenile Department; Zonta International of Roseburg; Oregon Department of Justice; Douglas Education School District; Roseburg School District; and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.

“I just wanted to thank you Commissioners for bringing about awareness on Human Trafficking.  I also want to recognize the Douglas County Human Trafficking Task Force for all their hard work and support.  I am sure I speak on behalf of all law enforcement agencies and public safety partners in the county when we say we make human trafficking a priority.   It is one of our top priorities.  Human trafficking is a real problem in the country, it’s a real problem in the state and it’s a real problem right here in Douglas County,” commented Sheriff John Hanlin.  “It’s important that we recognize the signs of human trafficking by  highlighting that the traffickers use force, fraud, coercion and they target vulnerabilities like homelessness and substance abuse.  Additionally, it is important that we understand that this is a universal vulnerability and that victims can be anyone, of any age, of any gender, and any and all backgrounds.  Thank you, Commissioners, for bringing this to the attention of everyone and for your support.”

The Commissioners encourage our citizens to make a commitment to understanding human trafficking, as well as support and share prevention programs, exploitation material, combat measures, and survivor programs that to protect our people, communities, and our great Nation from this heinous crime. 

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Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Proclamation and Photo Collage Attached. Photos © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.