Arizona Capitol dome lit blue to raise awareness of human trafficking issue
Jan 4, 2019, 4:12 AM | Updated: 10:40 am
(Twitter Photo/@AZGOYFF)
(Twitter Photo/@AZGOYFF)
PHOENIX – There’s a good reason the Arizona Capitol dome is illuminated blue in January.
The color is meant to raise awareness during what Gov. Doug Ducey has proclaimed to be Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
“Our state leads the nation on fighting this issue,” Cindy McCain, co-chair of the Arizona Human Trafficking Council, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.
Raising awareness is just one part of Arizona’s efforts to eliminate human trafficking.
McCain, the widow of Sen. John McCain, who died in August, said Arizona became a leader in the fight against trafficking when Jan Brewer was governor and the Super Bowl was coming to town.
“Around huge events like the Super Bowl, this issue is prolific,” she said.
“We knew we had to be not only aware of what was going on, but we had to fight it and combat it not only during the sporting event itself, but yearlong.”
Brewer took action by creating a human trafficking task force, and Ducey changed it into a council in 2015.
“It’s an ongoing council we have that works very hard on this issue,” McCain said.
Education has been key in the state’s efforts to fight trafficking.
“Once our citizens knew and were educated on the fact that this issue not only happens in Arizona, but it’s a great problem in Arizona, people have come from everywhere.”
McCain said the council has provided training for thousands of citizens plus members of law enforcement, prosecutors and others in the judicial system.
For January, we're lighting the AZ Capitol Dome blue in recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month. #AZ is a leader in the fight against human trafficking, and we remain committed to ensuring we're a zero-tolerance state for any form of trafficking. https://t.co/klSCr0rfQu
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) January 3, 2019
“We’re a very unique state. When we decide it’s time to take charge, we do,” she said.
“I’m grateful for everybody who has been and is still a part of fighting this problem.”
More information about the issue can be found at the council’s website.
To report trafficking or get help, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Bob McClay contributed to this report.
