C-TRAN will display posters across its fleet so that victims of trafficking can learn how to access help

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and C-TRAN is putting a spotlight on this important issue by providing information and resources for people in need. Starting in January, C-TRAN will display posters across its fleet so that victims of trafficking can learn how to access help.

In 2021, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received more than 50,000 signals — a number that includes calls, texts, online chats and tips to the hotline. Nearly 1,000 contacts were received from Washington. Advocates believe those numbers represent only a fraction of the people who are being exploited in America.

Human trafficking is an issue everywhere, including Clark County. Traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to control another person and make them engage in commercial sex acts or solicit labor or services against their will. C-TRAN will display posters on every bus to connect people with information on how to get help, or confidentially report suspicious activity.

“At C-TRAN, we believe that everyone who uses public transportation should be able to travel freely and safely,” said Shawn M. Donaghy, C-TRAN’s Chief Executive Officer. “This small step can make a big difference to raise awareness of the resources that are available to people who are being forced into dangerous situations.”

If you need help, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733. There are numerous regional organizations that provide support to trafficking victims, including BEST (Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking), a Seattle-based nonprofit organization. More information is available at https://www.bestalliance.org/.

C-TRAN is the regional public transportation provider for Clark County. It offers Local bus service within its Clark County service area, plus Regional and Express bus service to Portland. C-TRAN also provides on-demand service with The Current, operating in Camas/Washougal, Ridgefield/La Center, WSU Vancouver/Salmon Creek, Rose Village, and the Port of Vancouver. For more information on C-TRAN visit C-TRAN’s website at www.c-tran.com, or call Customer Service at (360) 695-0123.