Dena Nazer, M.D., professor of Pediatrics at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, has been appointed chair of Michigan’s Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The Human Trafficking Health Advisory Board was established to collect and analyze information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors of human trafficking; to identify state, federal and local agencies involved with issues relating to human trafficking; and to coordinate the dissemination of information concerning medical and mental health services available to survivors.

This is Dr. Nazer’s second term on the board. Former Gov. Rick Snyder first appointed her as a member.

The medical director and child abuse pediatrician for Kids TALK Children’s Advocacy Center Medical Clinic, a multi-disciplinary center that cares for children who are victims of child abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse, Dr. Nazer also is a member of the Human Trafficking of Children Protocol Revision Committee, under the auspices of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The primary goals of the committee are to review and revise the existing Human Trafficking of Children Protocol, establish a child-trafficking screening tool for use in Michigan, identify ways to reduce trauma and provide protection and continued support for victims of child trafficking and their families, eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in investigation dispositions and other case outcomes, improve cooperation among professions and agencies that furthers the development of common goals and methodologies for better responses to suspected child trafficking, including limiting the number of times a child is interviewed, improve awareness and reporting of suspected child trafficking, and ensure proper training for all professionals within the scope of the protocol.