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How Northeast Ohio organizations are protecting victims of human trafficking

Human trafficking may seem like a problem that only happens in places far away, but in reality, it happens here in Ohio.

According to the United Nations' International Labour Organization, human trafficking impacts more than 27 million people worldwide.

And though there's no reliable estimate of human trafficking in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, it has been reported in all 50 states.

To try to better understand this issue, and how it can be stopped., we'll ask how do human trafficking cases occur in Ohio? What's happening to these victims? And how are survivors escaping?

Wednesday on the “Sound of Ideas,” we will talk about human trafficking and what current data can tell us about what’s happening in Ohio. Plus, we will hear about the work being done by Northeast Ohio organizations to support survivors.

Project Polaris: National Human Trafficking Help Resources
or
Call 1-888-373-7888 | Text 233733 (Befree) | Live Chat

A monarch butterfly on a flower.
Drew Maziasz
/
Ideastream Public Media
A monarch butterfly on a flower.

Later in the hour, over the next few weeks, Northeast Ohio will be in the path of a natural phenomenon. Millions of monarch butterflies will be on the move making their way to wintering grounds in Mexico.

Monarch Butterfly Migration
Two Northeast Ohio naturalists discuss the monarch butterfly migration and how to support these delicate travelers.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that since the mid-1990s the monarch population east of the Rockies—including the ones you see in your backyard—have declined 80%.

We will talk about monarch butterflies, including their migration and conservation efforts with local naturalists.

Find monarch butterfly and other nature programs:
Cleveland Metroparks

Medina County Park District
Fall Program Guide

Guests:
-Kirsti Mouncey, President and CEO, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
-Andrea, Human trafficking survivor
-Laura Bartchak, Executive Director, Harriet Tubman Movement
-Mayim Hamblen, Naturalist, Cleveland Metroparks
-Meridith Teehan, Naturalist, Medina County Park District

Stephanie Haney is the former digital anchor and legal analyst for WKYC.
Leigh Barr is a coordinating producer for the "Sound of Ideas" and the "Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable."