Texas Health and Human Services Commission Observes Human Trafficking Prevention Month

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is highlighting services and programs dedicated to the fight against human trafficking. Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas.

Human trafficking is a crime that involves sexual exploitation or forced labor. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex or background.

“Human trafficking undermines our rule of law, robbing millions of their freedom and threatening public security,” Gov. Abbott stated in the proclamation. “It is our collective duty to take action to prevent and end human trafficking once and for all.”

Health care providers are encouraged to learn and be aware of the warning signs of possible human trafficking.

“Since most health care providers encounter people who are being trafficked, it is particularly important they know the warning signs,” said Joy Borjes, associate commissioner of HHSC Family and Youth Services and Supports. “HHSC’s free training to health care providers across the state helps them respond compassionately and appropriately.”

The HHSC Human Trafficking Resource Center promotes, assists and funds efforts that stop human trafficking. The resource center provides information and training for health care providers to identify human trafficking and connect those who have experienced human trafficking to needed resources.

HEART, or “Hearing, Evaluating, Activating, Resourcing and Training,” is a free resource provided by HHSC. The training teaches health care providers how to identify and respond appropriately to human trafficking survivors. More than 109,000 health care providers completed HEART from September 2024 to August 2025.

HHSC also participates in the Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force, a collaborative of more than 50 organizations that educates the public, identifies victims of human trafficking and ensures traffickers are investigated and prosecuted. The task force also develops legislative recommendations to enhance the state’s anti-trafficking efforts.

Texas drivers can help fight human trafficking by purchasing a "Stop Human Trafficking" specialty license plate. The license plate reminds Texans to report suspicious activity through the iWatchTexas reporting system. Proceeds from sales fund research, treatment services, shelter and support for youth survivors through the Stop Human Trafficking donation account.

In addition to iWatchTexas, people who believe they have witnessed human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 (TTY: 711), send a text to 233733, or go to the Hotline Web Chat. Call 9-1-1 if someone is in immediate danger.