DEAR EDITOR:

Human trafficking has become a significant issue in Youngstown, as it continues to remain one across the globe. Ohio has one of the nation’s highest concentrations of truck stops, a significant vulnerability to homelessness, and is located near the Canadian border and major cities.

These factors, along with economic instability, substance abuse, and a lack of resources, contribute to the heightened risk of human trafficking, particularly targeting young boys and girls.

Youngstown’s unemployment rate has been higher than it has been in past years, reflecting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate in Youngstown hovers around 30%, indicating widespread economic hardship.

Substance abuse has also been an important factor in the issue of human trafficking. Along with many others in the region, Youngstown has been significantly affected by the opioid epidemic, experiencing high rates of overdose death. I see and hear of someone overdosing every day in our area.

I am writing this letter to address some specific resources that confer about human trafficking in Youngstown, including law enforcement agencies such as the Youngstown Police Department, Mahoning County Human Trafficking Force and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, as well as local organizations such as the Coalition Against Human Trafficking and the Sisters of Humility of Mary. These agencies and organizations work to combat the issue of human trafficking through awareness campaigns, collaborations with national initiatives and support services for victims.

I know this information may be talked about on our news channels every day, but unfortunately, not enough people take this issue seriously, and the lack of awareness has led them to become victims of human trafficking.

Someone shopping at our Target in Niles shared her story of experiencing a possible act of human trafficking — luckily other bystanders who witnessed the situation contacted security, who then approached the individual and called the local authorities.

We all try to avoid the concern of something so detrimental happening in our area, but it is important to be aware that these incidents occur every day so you may be able to recognize when the act of human trafficking is happening to you or someone else.

Although there may not be an end to trafficking, I can do my best to make my fellow citizens conscious of just how serious the issue has become by sharing stories of incidents that have occurred in our area, as well as why our community has become a target.

Human trafficking is a critical issue in Youngstown, demanding urgent attention and action. It is essential for our community to recognize the signs of trafficking, support prevention initiatives and provide resources for victims. By creating awareness and proactive measures, we can try to ensure that individuals in Youngstown are protected.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim or concerned citizen who may have witnessed an act of human trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Hotline will connect you with the appropriate resources.

Together, we can build a safer community.

M. MENDONCA

Brookfield

Beyond Plastics

East Palestine

CHRISTINA DiGIULIO

Physicians for Social Responsibility

Downington, Pa