Red Sand brings awareness of human trafficking
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Those working to raise awareness of human trafficking, including the Sequatchie County Health Council in partnership with the Sequatchie County Health Department, local agencies, and city and county law enforcement, gathered at Harris Park July 16 for the annual Red Sand demonstration.
The Red Sand Project is an interactive art exhibition with participants literally pouring red sand into sidewalk cracks, bringing attention to those who have “fallen through the cracks” of society. Communities across Tennessee are taking part, working especially hard to bring to the public’s attention that human trafficking can and does occur anywhere, from large cities to small towns.
Leading the program was Elexis Foster, Master of Public Health Educator II for Sequatchie and Marion counties.
Cheyenne Strickland is the program manager for Blazing Hope Ranch, a rehabilitation facility for recovering trafficked victims. Strickland spoke on the difficulty in helping victims escape their trafficking handlers and about the rehabilitation process.
Outlining the commitment and resources available nearby was Ladarius Price, Community Outreach Director for the City of Chattanooga.
The most recent trafficking statistics from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) were delivered by Dunlap Police Department Detective Wallace Cunningham. In 2024, the TBI reported 1,170 human trafficking tips, with over 500 involving minors.
The TBI reported 113 trafficking-related arrests in their operations in 2024, with 31 separate proactive operations taking place.
Victims are often recruited online, at shopping areas, through friends, or through family. Increased reporting from agencies such as the Department of Children’s Services and rising concerns about gang-related trafficking have kept the effort a major statewide focus. Runaway children are especially vulnerable, the TBI states.
Other area Red Sand events in Southeast Tennessee were held in Bradley, Franklin, Marion, and Polk counties this month. Red Sand Project installations have taken place in 70 countries and more than one million people have participated.
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit someone for labor, services, or commercial sex, TDOH states. Trafficking can occur in any community and can involve people of any age, gender, or background. Survivors may experience physical injuries, chronic health conditions, mental health challenges, substance use concerns, and barriers to accessing care.
The Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-855-55-TNHTH (86484) and the National Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-888-373-7888. It can also be reached through text at 233733, texting “HELP” or “INFO.” In urgent situations, call 9-1-1.
