March 29, 2018
Thursday, March 29, 2018
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of James Blessman of Detroit to the Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board.
Created by Public Act 461 of 2014, the nine-member board is housed within the Department of Health and Human Services. The board collects and analyzes information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking, identifies the state, federal and local agencies that are involved with issues relating to human trafficking, and coordinates the dissemination of information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking in Michigan.
"I thank James for his devotion to providing victims of human trafficking with the resources needed to heal," Snyder said.
Blessman is an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences at Wayne State University and the medical director for occupational health services for Michigan Urgent Care. He holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Michigan and a medical degree from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He will represent physicians and serve as the nominee of the Speaker of the House and replace Dena Nazer.
Blessman will serve a four-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2021. His appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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