Board of Health toiletry drive for Human trafficking victims now underway

The DeKalb County Board of Health is conducting a month-long toiletry drive benefitting human trafficking victims. The initiative is being held as a part of the board’s continuing efforts to address the significant human trafficking problem in metro Atlanta, and in observance of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Toiletry donations, including soap, shampoos and lotions, can be deposited in dedicated collections bins Monday through Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 5p.m., excluding holidays recognized by the State of Georgia, at the following health center locations:

• Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur
• East DeKalb Health Center, 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Rd., Lithonia
• North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Rd. NE, Chamblee
• L. Richardson Health and Administrative Center, 445 Winn Way, Decatur

After the drive, the donations will be used to assemble care packages for male and female trafficking victims. The care packages will then be distributed to organizations throughout Metro Atlanta that provide aid to trafficked individuals, including Wellspring Living and Tabitha’s House.

“Quite often, victims of human trafficking escape their situation with absolutely nothing, except for the clothes that they are wearing,” said DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D., M.B.A. “Through this initiative, we are ensuring that these individuals have a fresh start with the basic hygiene essentials, as they start to rebuild their lives in a safe environment.”

For more information about the toiletry drive, contact the DeKalb County Board of Health at 404-294-3700.