First Lady Announces Partnership With Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition and Kentucky Racetracks
Poster campaign highlights signs of human trafficking
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2026) – Today, First Lady Britainy Beshear announced 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.
The racetracks that have joined the Coalition in this 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. Indicators of human trafficking displayed on the signs include:
- No control of travel identification/documents;
- No control of own money;
- No freedom of movement/social interaction;
- Difficulty articulating reasonable/logical travel plans; and
- A nongenuine relationship, particularly parent/guardian-child.
The posters also provide contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline and encourage anyone who suspects human trafficking to report it.
The First Lady was joined at today’s news conference by Shannon McCracken, vice president of government relations at Churchill Downs; Ted Nicholson, vice president of racing at Cumberland Run; Mike Keyser, training manager of security at Keeneland; Johan Mirkovic, vice president and general manager at Kentucky Downs; and members of the First Lady’s Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition.
“Fighting traffickers isn’t only a job for law enforcement and service providers, it belongs to all of us. Kentucky is known for its hospitality. We welcome visitors from all over the world, especially during our biggest racing events. This reputation is something to be proud of. It also comes with great responsibility,” said Mirkovic. “True hospitality means every person who walks through our doors is safe and free. Traffickers depend on silence and people assuming someone else will act. Let’s take that away from them. Let’s make Kentucky the hardest place in the country to exploit a human being. Thank you to First Lady Britainy Beshear and the coalition for your leadership.”
“From my own experience, I know how difficult it can be to recognize that another future is possible when you don’t know where to turn for help,” said Deanna Lynn Spangler, a human trafficking survivor and member of the First Lady’s Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition. “That’s why these signs matter. They invite our communities to recognize the warning signs of trafficking, but they also offer something to the person experiencing it: information, a possible connection to safety and the knowledge that help exists.”
In March, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order establishing the 15-member First Lady’s Human Trafficking Awareness Coalition. The coalition consists of experts in public safety, law enforcement, healthcare, media, government and more, all focused on preventing human trafficking and helping survivors. Mrs. Beshear serves as chair.
Report Human Trafficking
Anyone who suspects a child may be involved in commercial sexual exploitation should contact the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services at 877-KYSAFE1 or notify local law enforcement.
Concerns related to other potential trafficking activity should be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. In emergencies, dial 911 immediately or call KSP at 800-222-5555.
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