Region One hosts Human Trafficking Awareness conference

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Educators and parents gathered at the Region One Conference Center in Edinburg on Tuesday for the Region One National Human Trafficking Awareness Conference.

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Region One created this conference to bring awareness to this issue.

"Human trafficking is real, and it's out there," said Ruth Aguilera, Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education Specialist. "It's all over the place worldwide. We recommend everyone be vigilant of their surroundings and check out the signs, all the red flags, and if you see something, say something."

Aided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Region One helps schools improve their ability to teach skills-based human trafficking prevention to educators, staff, and students and establish a useful safety toolkit.