Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced a new partnership aimed at expanding efforts to combat human trafficking across the state. The collaboration involves the Human Trafficking Initiative (HTI), Ohio-based TravelCenters of America (TA), and the nonprofit organization Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). The goal is to increase awareness about human trafficking in Ohio communities and encourage reporting through a newly established hotline.

Yost emphasized the importance of vigilance on the roads, stating, "If you see something, say something – under this new partnership, truck drivers and other motorists will be educated and reminded to report human trafficking to law enforcement. Their awareness on the road can save a life."

As part of this initiative, TAT will distribute bumper stickers featuring the hotline number to trained truckers, aiming to boost visibility on Ohio's highways. Additionally, TA stores throughout Ohio will display the hotline information on screens inside their facilities.

Debi Boffa, CEO of TravelCenters of America, expressed commitment to addressing this issue: "As large travel centers located along the nation’s highways, we are in a unique position - our team members are the eyes and ears of our highways. This is an issue that we do not take lightly. We are committed to helping combat this crime and thank the attorney general’s office and TAT for allowing us to be part of this important campaign launch."

Sara Sefried from Truckers Against Trafficking highlighted the collaborative effort: “We know we cannot do this work alone. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office and TravelCenters of America have been vital partners in creating safer communities. By raising awareness and empowering drivers to recognize and report human trafficking, we are driving real change and actively disrupting human trafficking.”

Training sessions for transportation industry groups and communities are available through both Truckers Against Trafficking and Yost’s Human Trafficking Initiative.

For more information or media inquiries, contact Hannah Hundley at 614-906-9113.