Human trafficking took center stage at the Caroline County Commissioners meeting on January 21, 2025, as local leaders declared January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The proclamation was presented by Josie Wenzel, marketing and outreach coordinator for All Seasons Inc., and Michelle Hudson, a victim advocate from the same organization.

Wenzel highlighted the critical role of All Seasons, a behavioral health and crisis center that provides therapy, psychiatry, and victim support services, emphasizing their commitment to serving the community regardless of financial means or language barriers. She also introduced the center's human trafficking prevention program, led by regional navigator Susan Ahlstrom.

Hudson underscored the severity of human trafficking, describing it as modern-day slavery that exploits individuals for labor or commercial sex through coercion or deception. She noted that any minor engaging in commercial sex is considered a victim, regardless of consent, and stressed that human trafficking affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

The commissioners read the proclamation, which detailed alarming statistics, including that nearly 25 million individuals are trafficked globally each year. It also pointed out that Maryland has seen over 1,000 reports of child sex trafficking since 2013. The proclamation urged citizens to recognize and combat this crime, reinforcing the importance of public awareness and education in aiding victims and eradicating human trafficking.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the community to engage in efforts to combat this pressing issue, highlighting the moral and economic harm human trafficking inflicts on society.