The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is highlighting services and programs dedicated to the fight against human trafficking. Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas.
“Texas continues to lead the fight against the scourge of human trafficking,' Gov. Abbott said. 'Through initiatives like the Governor's Response Against Child Exploitation and the HHSC Human Trafficking Resource Center, we work to provide critical resources for survivors and ensure that vicious offenders are punished to the fullest extent of the law. But more must be done to eradicate this heinous crime once and for all, and we need every Texan to join us in this fight. I encourage all Texans during Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and every month, to learn about the signs and dangers of human trafficking and how to best support survivors.”
Human trafficking is a crime that involves exploiting a person for labor, services or commercial sex. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender and background.
The HHSC Human Trafficking Resource Center promotes, assists and funds efforts that stop human trafficking. The resource center provides information and training for health care providers to identify human trafficking and connect those who have experienced human trafficking to needed resources.
HEART, or “Hearing, Evaluating, Activating, Resourcing and Training,” is a free resource provided by HHSC. The training teaches health care providers how to identify and respond appropriately to potential human trafficking victims. Each month as many as 10,000 health care providers complete the training.