Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
Mayor Al Kelley proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Jan. 13, 2026, during the Millbrook City Council meeting, recognizing human trafficking as a public health issue and a crime that causes lasting harm to children, individuals, families, and communities.
“We would like to designate Millbrook as a ‘Trafficking Free Zone’ to show the community our commitment to action, awareness, and partnerships to address the issues of human trafficking,” said Kelley. “Every individual, family, community, and organization can help by learning how to take action.”
Kelley noted that effectively combating human trafficking requires a coordinated, communitywide response, with collaboration across multiple sectors to ensure programs and services are accessible and meet the needs of survivors.
“I want to extend my gratitude to Millbrook leadership for saying that they are not okay with human trafficking in their community,” said Lauren Hartin, president and CEO of S.T.A.R. Youth United. “We hope this proclamation will help to profile this issue within the community and provide better services for the children, men, and women who are walking through it.”
S.T.A.R. (Safety from Trafficking, Advocacy, Restoration) Youth United was established to combat the exploitation of children through human trafficking, beginning in communities throughout the River Region of Alabama. The organization’s mission is to end child trafficking while upholding the dignity and humanity of every child.
For more information, visit https://www.staryouthunited.org/.
