Public Information inquiries may be directed to 334-242-3417 or emailed to publicinformation.dmh@mh.alabama.gov.

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Below you will find press releases issued by the department and news articles about ADMH or related to mental health.

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
Montgomery, Ala. - Together, we can create a kinder, more inclusive world. Join the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)
Individual Placement and Support – Long-term Support in the Community
Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), in partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week 2021
Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) celebrates and supports the annual National Drug and Alcohol Facts
Call for Art Entries – Capitol Showcase
Montgomery, Ala. - Since 2005, the Alabama Department of Mental Health has hosted the Capitol Showcase, a consumer art show.
ADMH Staff Member Recipient of Boyce Williams Award
Montgomery, Ala. – Stephen (Steve) Hamerdinger, Director, Office of Deaf Services (ODS), Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Individual Placement and Support: Benefitting Employers and Clients
Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), in partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)
Developmental Disabilities Month – Moving Toward Change
Montgomery, Ala. - March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The theme for this year's campaign is "Moving Towards Change,”
Individual Placement and Support – Supported Employment
Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), in partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS)
Education Campaign: Trafficking of Persons with DD in Alabama
(Alabama) January 21, 2021. The CDC states that in the United States, people with disabilities are 4 to 10 times

Montgomery, Ala. – Together, we can create a kinder, more inclusive world. Join the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) as we recognize the month of April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and World Autism Day on April 2. Throughout the month, ADMH will spread awareness, promote acceptance, and ignite change to foster inclusivity for those affected by autism. This year’s theme, “Light up with Kindness,” encourages individuals to help create a world where all people with autism, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, reach their full potential.

Many have heard of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but far too few know what it’s like to have autism – and experience both the strengths and challenges. According to Autism Speaks, a leading national organization on advocacy, ASD refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. The Centers for Disease Control state autism affects an estimated one in 54 children in the United States.

The ADMH Office of Autism Services values the uniqueness of all individuals and strives to provide comprehensive supports to individuals with autism and their families. “A cornerstone of autism services is face-to-face interaction which was halted due to the impacts of COVID-19 this past year, but we are moving back into traditional service settings when possible,” explained Anna McConnell, State Autism Coordinator.

McConnell continued, “Using a new and energized approach, along with strategic planning, Autism Services has also built relationships with community partners to strengthen supports for individuals and families in settings where our services are not provided, such as schools.”

This past year has brought several challenges and to help the community. ADMH Autism Services provided information and referrals to approximately 500 callers; participated in numerous education, planning, and outreach projects across the state and enrolled nearly 100 clients. The office has built many valuable relationships with outside providers to serve individuals and families, collaboratively and effectively.

“We continue to enroll more rehabilitation service providers and refer clients for more of our services, such as therapeutic mentoring, in-home therapy, and behavior support,” said McConnell.

Throughout other parts of the state, Autism Services has participated in drive-through outreach events in partnership with area Regional Autism Networks (RANs), collaborated with other state stakeholders like Alabama Early Intervention System (AEIS) for program development, and consulted with in-state colleges and universities on expanding training programs and provider capacity across Alabama.

The Regional Autism Networks (RAN) are housed at Auburn University, University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Alabama in Huntsville, and University of South Alabama. Each Regional Autism Network strives to connect people with ASD, their families, educators, and service providers to the information and/or services that best meet their needs.

In addition, ADMH also leads the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council (AIACC) which was created to meet the urgent and substantial need to develop and implement a statewide comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system of care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

Signs of autism usually appear by age two or three. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism. Over the years, the number of individuals diagnosed with ASD has increased.

To participate in Autism Awareness Month and learn about ways to support individuals and families with autism visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/wam where you can:

To learn more about the AIACC, please visit http://www.autism.alabama.gov/Regional-Autism-Network.html or contact Anna McConnell, State Autism Coordinator at 205-478-3402.

 

 

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Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), in partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) and community mental health centers continue to highlight the significant role of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) – Supported Employment, with the third testimonial video showcasing the stability and emotional well-being that comes with supported and lasting employment.

The objective of IPS is to support individuals living with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorder, to lead a balanced and rewarding life and enhance the likelihood for long term recovery. Individuals in the IPS program receive holistic support, meaning they learn how to manage their personal and work life, while developing coping skills in the work environment.

ADMH’s third IPS video describes the connection and positive impact of improving the lives of both the individual and employer. The video can be viewed here, on the ADMH YouTube channel. “We have found that when we look at everyone individually and their challenges, because we’ve all got challenges, we are able to identify where we can work with them (employees) and retain people who would otherwise really not have a very good opportunity at a future, not just a job but at something they can work on and do better [at their job] and maybe make it their entire career,” explained Cindy Porter, Medical Manager for the Shelby Humane Shelter.

The IPS program in Alabama to date has assisted 206 individuals find and/or retain rewarding employment. Many individuals have noted an improvement in their self-esteem, new friendships and increased structure and routines.

“I love my job because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I love animals and I get to see them every day,” said Priscilla Chapman, Kennel Technician, Shelby Humane Shelter. “I don’t consider what I do as something simple, but I feel as though I make a difference helping out, and I love the people that I work with.”

Through IPS services, specialists and employers help individuals realize their strengths, goals, and preferences rather than focusing on problems. IPS provides long-term support while integrating vocational and mental health services to help individuals continue steady employment for years to come. In fact, 10-year follow-up studies show that about half the people who receive IPS services are employees 10 years later 1.

IPS Teams are located in three areas of our state. Participating providers include the following:

To learn more about the ADMH IPS-Supported Employment Program, please visit https://mh.alabama.gov/individual-placement-and-support/ or contact Denise Bern, IPS Trainer and Coordinator at 334-353-0006 or denise.bern@mh.alabama.gov. To be connected in your area, please contact one of the three community mental health centers offering the program.

To learn more about the IPS, visit the IPS Employment Center at https://ipsworks.org/

To learn more about Employment statewide, visit AlabamaWorks! at https://alabamaworks.com

 

 

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Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) celebrates and supports the annual National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW®), along with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The weeklong observance, held March 22 – March 28, 2021, is designed to bring teens and scientific experts together to discuss the scientific facts about drugs, as well as potential health effects on teen bodies and brains.

During the week, students are able to participate in programs hosted virtually by community providers to “Shatter the Myths” and counteract the falsehoods about drugs and alcohol teens may receive from the internet, social media, television, movies, music, or from friends. Launched in 2010 by scientists at the NIDA, the week was created to stimulate educational events in communities, so teens can learn what science has taught about drug use and addiction.

“National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week gives an opportunity to encourage teens around the country to ask their most wanted questions about drugs, alcohol, and its addictive effects,” said ADMH Prevention Services Director, Beverly Johnson. “In addition, we also provide resources on how to help friends or a family member that may have a substance use disorder.”

Currently, ADMH has 22 Certified Prevention Providers that offer prevention activities aligned with the Centers for Substance Abuse and Prevention strategies including Alternative, Community Based Process, Education, Environmental, Information Dissemination, and Problem Identification and Referral. Through these strategies, many providers implement and participate in prescription drug takeback events, health fairs, media campaigns, and various other national observance activities.

Join ADMH and help teens get the facts about drugs and alcohol. ADMH’s Office of Prevention will host the following activities during NDAW:

For more information about the listed events coordinated by the Office of Prevention contact Satavia Mann at 334-353-7372. More resources can be found at Resources to Help Your Patients with SUD During the COVID-19 Pandemic | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Montgomery, Ala. – Since 2005, the Alabama Department of Mental Health has hosted the Capitol Showcase, a consumer art show. Individuals with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders or co-occurring disorders graciously offer their works of art to showcase throughout the month of May, in observance of Mental Health Month.

The Call for Entries for the ADMH Capitol Showcase is now open. Please fill out the online Entry Form, send in a high quality digital photo of your artwork and a typed artist statement by April 9, 2021, to participate. Please fill out the Entry Form here: http://bit.ly/capitolshowcase.

Art can offer a sense of accomplishment, meaning, and engagement when it is hard to express what a person is struggling with. Creating art can help to decrease anxiety and stress and offer a refuge from intense feelings and emotions.

Celestial Angel by Jeff (2020)

Due to social distancing and best practices related to COVID-19, this year the showcase will again be online only. The need to ensure we all stay healthy and safe remains a priority for the the artists and attendees. An online gallery will be unveiled on May 1 and will feature unique artwork and personal stories from each artist.

Artwork will be also posted daily on ADMH social media accounts, recognizing the artists with individual posts to demonstrate their expression of mental health and life experiences. Many of the artists have remarked on the care and support they received from local mental health centers and how their art is encouraged and celebrated through their recovery.

Newly added this year is online voting for Best in Show and Honorable Mention. A Zoom Reception will also be held on May 25th. To learn more about the Capitol Showcase and the Alabama Department of Mental Health, please call the Office of Public Information at 334-242-3417 or email peggy.olson@mh.alabama.gov.

About Us: The Alabama Department of Mental Health serves more than 200,000 Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Our mission is to Serve, Empower, and Support, and promote the health and well-being of Alabamians. Visit www.mh.alabama.gov for more information.

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Montgomery, Ala. – Stephen (Steve) Hamerdinger, Director, Office of Deaf Services (ODS), Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) was announced recently as the recipient of the Boyce R. Williams Award, the highest award presented by the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association (ADARA). The award is given to an individual in recognition of a lifetime of exemplary contributions that lead to improvement in the lives of deaf people, in the rehabilitation and behavioral health arenas. The annual award is named after Dr. Boyce R. Williams, who dedicated his career in government to advancing specialized programs and services for deaf and hard of hearing people.

“To receive an award named after Boyce Williams is incredible and humbling. Dr. Williams was one of the most influential deaf men in the history of the United States,” Hamerdinger noted. “He isn’t well known outside of human services, but almost every major advance in social services to deaf people can be traced directly to some initiative he either started or funded.”

In 2015, Hamerdinger also received the Frederick C. Schreiber Award, which recognizes Dr. Fred Schreiber, the first Executive Director of the National Association of the Deaf, in recognition of his enduring commitment to ADARA. This award is given to an individual for outstanding contributions to ADARA.

Hamerdinger added he’s never dreamed of receiving these two honors years apart, as only one person had previously been awarded both the Schreiber Award and the Williams Award, Dr. William McCrone. “When ADARA presented me with the Schreiber award, I was very grateful. Never did I dream they would also give me the Williams award some years later– it just doesn’t happen,” Hamerdinger explained.

Hamerdinger has been at the helm of ODS, serving the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) for over 18 years. Nationally and internationally renowned, ODS serves 300 individuals who are deaf and more than 1,500 hard of hearing individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses and trains hundreds of people in deaf mental health care annually.

Hamerdinger has played a pivotal role in the deaf mental healthcare community for nearly 30 years. Prior to his appointment at ADMH, he was the Director of the Office of Deaf and Linguistic Support Services at the Missouri Department of Mental Health for ten years. His career has expanded into owning and operating a mental health consulting firm that provides consultation and training on mental health and deafness. Hamerdinger’s commitment to supporting deaf services reminds everyone that there are no boundaries to what one can achieve.

“I grew up hearing statements such as, “You are deaf, you will never amount to anything. I would like to think I have proven those early distracters wrong,” Hamerdinger continued. His motivation to support the deaf community comes from recognizing the importance of mental health care driven by deaf people.

“For us, By us. Nothing about us, without us,” noted Hamerdinger. “As a deaf person who also lives with mental illness, this work is very real to me. I have been lucky and blessed in life. But far too many deaf people have not had the same opportunities I have had and have struggled with challenges far worse than mine. I feel that Providence called me to this work.”

He noted that as he enters the late twilight of his career, his goal now is to effectively transition the program to a new generation of leadership, so the work thus far does not diminish.

“I’m grateful to Commissioner Kimberly Boswell and Associate Commissioner Dr. Tammie McCurry, for their support of developing a continuum of care for deaf people – including establishing a new deaf unit in our hospitals that can become the hub of crisis care, where deaf people can have access to American Sign Language fluent clinical care,” he explained.

“This path for getting deaf services to where it should be has long been a dream of mine, and it is exciting to see the possibilities are there. I want the program to continue to build on those possibilities and aim for even greater things in the future.”

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Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), in partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) and community mental health centers are proud to share successes of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) – Supported Employment Program, with a series of testimonial videos of clients and employers and offer information about this important service.

IPS is an evidence-based practice that increases successful employment outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness and people with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders. Individuals have the best chance of success when their recovery process is supported by neighbors, employers, and service organizations.  People receiving IPS -Supported Employment are more than twice as likely to gain competitive employment than individuals who receive [traditional employment] services1. Recovery benefits everyone including citizens, employers, and the economy.

Since the inception of IPS services in Alabama in 2015, over 263 of Alabama’s businesses have played a vital role in the success of individuals receiving employment. The second IPS video, showcasing an employer, The Neighborhood Grill, offers a look at the mutually beneficial relationship both employer and client enjoy. The video can be viewed here, on the ADMH YouTube channel.

“Good, solid employees are extremely important in this business… They [the IPS team] have brought in some really fantastic employees… and the benefits of having the IPS program employees that we have here has been phenomenal, not only just for us, the employers, or their fellow employees, but for our customers as well.” said Jason Lee, Chef, Neighborhood Grill.

As an employer who works with an IPS team from the local mental health authority, there are many immediate benefits related to human resources. At no cost, participating employers have the opportunity to:

  • Gain immediate access to prescreened job applicants with skills and qualifications matched to employers’ needs,
  • Obtain additional support from the IPS Team such as on-the-job coaching for employees,
  • Qualify for tax savings through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit

IPS Teams are located in three areas of our state. Participating providers include the following:

To learn more about the ADMH IPS-SE program, please visit https://mh.alabama.gov/individual-placement-and-support/ or contact Denise Bern, IPS Trainer and Coordinator at 334-353-0006 or denise.bern@mh.alabama.gov. To be connected in your area, please contact one of the three community mental health centers offering the program.

To learn more about the IPS, visit the IPS Employment Center at https://ipsworks.org/

To learn more about Employment statewide, visit AlabamaWorks! at https://alabamaworks.com

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1 Reference: Brinchman, et al.  A meta-regression of the impact of policy on the efficacy of individual placement and support.  (2019).

 

Montgomery, Ala. – March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Moving Towards Change,” which seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, and the work that remains to remove barriers to community living.

The awareness month officially began in 1987 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan, who helped to bring awareness and acceptance for people of every ability. To celebrate, the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) and the National Association of State Councils on Developmental Disabilities are shining a light on the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.

“Expanding the conversation of inclusion and accessibility is an integral part of ADMH’s daily work and an important component of the upcoming Community Waiver Program, person-centered planning and support coordination. We are proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month and share success stories of the individuals we serve, along with our dedicated providers,” said Associate Commissioner of Developmental Disabilities Terry Pezent.

Developmental disabilities can include, but not limited to cerebral palsy, Autism spectrum disorder, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, or fetal alcohol syndrome and can affect a person’s growth and/or cognition. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show that nationally as of 2017, about one in six children were identified or diagnosed with a developmental disability.

Alabamians with developmental disabilities must have the opportunity to lead full lives, fostering independence and productivity in local communities, with access to supported employment, housing, education and recreation. ADMH is committed to helping people reach their full potential through meaningful connections.

To learn more about support for individuals with disabilities, please visit https://mh.alabama.gov/division-of-developmental-disabilities/. 

About Us: The Alabama Department of Mental Health serves more than 200,000 Alabama citizens with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Our mission is to Serve, Empower, and Support, and promote the health and well-being of Alabamians. Visit www.mh.alabama.gov for more information.

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Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), in partnership with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) and community mental health centers are highlighting the success stories of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) – Supported Employment, with a series of testimonial videos of clients and employers, and the benefits of the program. The first video, showcasing IPS client, Turner W. and the story of his successful employment at Martha’s Place in Montgomery, can be viewed here, on the ADMH YouTube channel.

The partnering departments and community mental health centers support the recovery of people with mental illness through meaningful and competitive employment. Individual Placement and Support – Supported Employment is an evidence-based service model aimed to assist people with serious mental illness (SMI) and co-occurring substance use disorders, in obtaining and maintaining competitive jobs, based upon their preferences.

“We have seen the initial results of the IPS program, and it changes lives. The program is based on a recovery-oriented culture, grounded by mental wellness, acceptance and the beneficial value of work in an individual’s life,” said Commissioner Kimberly Boswell.

IPS offers the opportunity for increased self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and decreased dependence on others. Research demonstrates the IPS model has a high rate of success when provided as a mental health service to individuals who express interest in joining the workforce.

Since the inception of IPS services in Alabama in 2015, over 263 of Alabama’s businesses have played a vital role in the success of individuals receiving employment. People receiving IPS -Supported Employment are more than twice as likely to gain competitive employment than individuals who receive [traditional employment] services (Brinchman, et al 2019).

IPS Teams are located in three areas of our state. Participating providers include the following:

“ADMH IPS-Supported Employment programs have helped over 180 adults with serious mental illness find employment. This is a huge success for the participants and our IPS teams, considering a high unemployment rate for the individuals we serve statewide. Integrating IPS within the mental health system creates access for people who may not otherwise walk across the threshold of traditional employment programs,” stated Jessica Hales, ADMH Coordinator of Adult Mental Illness Services.

Another crucial element of Alabama’s IPS – Supported Employment programs are Peer Specialists who provide support by sharing their personal stories of recovery. They assist individuals, clinicians, and families to understand the benefits of employment and the positive impact work has on mental health. The connections between peer specialists and individuals inspire, motivate, and encourage success.

To learn more about the ADMH IPS-SE program, please contact Denise Bern, IPS Trainer and Coordinator at 334-353-0006 or denise.bern@mh.alabama.gov. To be connected in your area, please contact one of the three community mental health centers offering the program.

To learn more about IPS, visit the IPS Employment Center at https://ipsworks.org/

To learn more about Employment statewide, visit AlabamaWorks! at https://alabamaworks.com

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Reference: Brinchman, et al.  A meta-regression of the impact of policy on the efficacy of individual placement and support.  (2019).

 

(Alabama) January 21, 2021. The CDC states that in the United States, people with disabilities are 4 to 10 times more likely to be victimized than people without them and children with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be victimized as children without them. January is recognized as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Homeland Security Investigations in Alabama estimates the commercial sex industry generates $110 million each year in the Birmingham metro area, which does not include illegal activity in strip clubs or illicit massage parlors, nor child trafficking, which is more difficult to quantify.

To address this issue, the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities has tapped Fowler Davis, LLC to produce an educational campaign for trafficking of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The campaign will include brochures, fact sheets, and videos on different types of exploitation. “Our goal is to provide prevention education and empower this vulnerable population to become educated to know the signs to help prevent them from being exploited” states Barbara Fowler, Co-Owner of Fowler Davis, LLC.

Darryle Powell, Executive Director of Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities {ACDD}, says “persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been a target population for traffickers due to their vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is especially gratifying to know that Fowler Davis will empower this population through educational campaigns to help prevent them from becoming victims of exploitation and trafficking.”

Barbara Fowler has become a strong advocate in the anti-human trafficking movement in Alabama and across the U.S. Barbara says, “We commend the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities on being proactive with this campaign to provide resources and preventive education to this highly- vulnerable population. Alabama will be the leader with this type of educational campaign throughout the United States.”

“Human trafficking is a major problem hiding in plain sight in Alabama. It is a modern form of slavery that’s happening in every city and town. Alabama has a high percentage of familial trafficking by a parent, family member, caregiver, or trusted adult. Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities have difficulty understanding risky situations or how to avoid risky persons,” states Jeff Davis, Co-Owner of Fowler Davis, LLC.

If you see any suspicious activity related to possible human trafficking, do not attempt to confront, as this could jeopardize their safety and your own. Call 9-1-1 immediately with any details. If you need help, or to report suspected human trafficking to Federal law enforcement, please call the Dept. of Homeland Security Blue Campaign at 1-866-347-2423. For help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, call 1-888-3737-888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).

Learn More:

Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities https://www.acdd.org Fowler Davis, LLC https://fowlerdavis.com

Dept. of Homeland Security Blue Campaign https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign Polaris National Human Trafficking Hotline https://polarisproject.org

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IMPORTANT TRAFFICKING FACTS

Human trafficking cases have been reported in every state in the U.S. It is a $150 BILLION industry and is considered the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world stealing innocence for profit.

The CDC states that in the United States, people with disabilities are 4 to 10 times more likely to be victimized than people without them and children with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be victimized as children without them.

While anyone can be victimized, people with disabilities are at greater risk of exploitation than people without disabilities, whether it is an intellectual and developmental disability, physical disability, or mental illness. Vulnerabilities to victimization include:

  • Dependence on multiple caregivers meeting their basic needs
  • Socialized to comply – “learned acquiescence”
  • Limited education about sexuality and heathy relationships
  • No understanding of right to bodily autonomy
  • Frequent isolation from conventional social environment
  • Limited social and/or communication skills, including failure of others to recognize behavior as communication
  • Myths and misperceptions society in general have regarding people with disabilities
  • 3x rate of sexual abuse
  • High rate of co-occurrence of gender dysphoria and autism
  • Children in the foster care system
  • Disability, especially communication disorders and intellectual disability are over- represented in the runaway youth population
  • Foster children with I/DD are more likely to have experienced adoption disruption or dissolution and are less like to be reunified with a parent, primary caretaker, or other family member

Exploitation and trafficking are rampant on social media platforms and gaming apps. Predators use these apps to recruit at-risk/vulnerable children and teens promising them acceptance and money. They then groom them into a trusting, yet fantasy relationship. Many predators ask for, and receive, compromising photos from their victims, and then use them as blackmail, telling the victims that the photos are everywhere and now they are damaged goods and cannot ever go back to their normal lives. These victims are so psychologically manipulated that they believe them and do everything they ask out of fear, trauma, guilt, and shame.

With Alabama having major human trafficking corridors and interstates across the state, this issue must be taken seriously with those that live and work in Alabama.

 

Learn More:

Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities https://www.acdd.org Fowler Davis, LLC https://fowlerdavis.com

Dept. of Homeland Security Blue Campaign https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign Polaris National Human Trafficking Hotline https://polarisproject.org