Kentucky’s 9 racetracks join human trafficking awareness effort

FRANKFORT – First Lady Britainy Beshear announced Tuesday that all nine of Kentucky’s racetracks are partnering with the First Lady’s Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition to increase education on how to spot and report human trafficking.

The racetracks will now display human trafficking awareness posters in line with signage seen at airports, hotels, convention centers and sports arenas.

“Human trafficking is a worldwide problem, and it will take all of us working together to raise awareness and educate people across the commonwealth and country to help save lives and bring justice for survivors,” said Mrs. Beshear. “Knowing these signs are already on display at airports, hotels and sports venues, we saw our racetracks – which bring in millions of guests each year – as an opportunity to display these signs, which can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. I want to thank all of our Kentucky racetracks for their partnership in making our state safer.”

The tourism and hospitality industry has been a long-time partner in the fight against human trafficking, with signage displayed throughout attractions, hotels, airports, event venues and more. Recognizing that Kentucky’s racetracks are a key part of the commonwealth’s tourism sector, drawing millions of visitors each year, the First Lady and the coalition saw these sites as a meaningful opportunity to further raise awareness around human trafficking.

In September, the First Lady, on behalf of the coalition, sent letters to nine racetracks across the commonwealth asking for their support by allowing the display of signage at their venues that identifies key indicators of human trafficking, along with the National Human Trafficking Hotline contact information.

Racetracks participating in effort are Churchill Downs in Louisville, Cumberland Run in Corbin, Ellis Park in Henderson, Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky Downs and The Mint in Franklin, Oak Grove in Oak Grove, Red Mile in Lexington, Sandy’s Racing in Ashland and Turfway Park in Florence.

The posters, which are similar to airport ads supplied by the federal Blue Campaign, were developed by the First Lady’s Office and are available in both English and Spanish.