At yesterday’s Jasper City Council meeting, Mayor Josh Gates and the Jasper City Council presented a proclamation recognizing January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The proclamation affirms the City of Jasper’s commitment to raising awareness, strengthening education and training efforts, supporting survivors, and working collaboratively to prevent human trafficking in our community. The City also reaffirmed its designation as a Trafficking Free Zone, emphasizing the importance of coordinated, community-wide action.
Kristin Kiefer Huddleston, Assistant District Attorney with the Walker County District Attorney’s Office, spoke on behalf of multiple agencies working to combat human trafficking locally. She noted that “due to its isolating nature, many individuals remain unaware that trafficking is a threat to our neighborhoods, families, and children,” and emphasized that preventing and responding to trafficking “cannot be accomplished alone, but rather takes partnerships all across our community.”
The City of Jasper appreciates the many local, regional, and state partners who continue working together to protect children, support survivors, and raise awareness of this critical issue.
