Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month at the first public commissioners' meeting in 2023. The proclamation acknowledges the work of social service agencies, counselors, law enforcement personnel, and modern-day abolitionists; these parties care for survivors, arrest and prosecute offenders, and seek to prevent new victims. Also recognized in the proclamation are the Chester County Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition, Thistle Hills, and JusticeRain, organizations that support survivors transitioning from exploitation and bondage to freedom and self-sufficiency.

Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox and Carol Metzker, who handles community outreach for the Chester County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and serves as an ally for human trafficking survivors, presented each commissioner with a blue lapel pin to help spotlight the issue. Additionally, a blue light was shined on the Chester County Historic Courthouse from Jan. 9 to 16.

Last year, the CCSO hosted an educational program about human trafficking prevention. It also partnered with the Chester County Library System to post the National Human Trafficking Hotline numbers in library bathrooms throughout the county.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24/7 by calling 888-373-7888 or texting 233733.