WESTLAKE, Ohio (January 28, 2025) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced a new partnership aimed at increasing awareness of human trafficking and providing the public with more resources to report it. The initiative brings together Yost’s Human Trafficking Initiative (HTI), TravelCenters of America (TA), and the nonprofit Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) in a statewide effort to combat this pressing issue.
“We need the eyes and ears of Ohio’s roadways to help us spot the signs of human trafficking,” said Yost. “With this new partnership, truck drivers and other motorists will be equipped with the tools to report suspicious activity and save lives. If you see something, say something.”
As part of the collaboration, TAT, an organization with 19,000 members, will distribute bumper stickers featuring the new Ohio-specific human trafficking hotline—844-END-OHHT—to its trained truckers. The hotline will also be prominently displayed on digital screens inside TA stores across Ohio to help spread awareness and encourage reporting.
TA’s CEO, Debi Boffa, emphasized the role that travel centers play in maintaining vigilance against trafficking. “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 we do not take lightly,” Boffa said. “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.”
Sara Sefried, director of strategic partnerships for TAT, praised the collaboration, saying, “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.”
Human trafficking awareness training will be available to transportation industry groups and local communities through both TAT and Yost’s Human Trafficking Initiative. This new partnership marks a significant step forward in the ongoing fight against human trafficking in Ohio.
For more information or to report a tip, Ohio residents can call the new Ohio-specific hotline at 844-END-OHHT.
