January 11, 2023 (DES MOINES, IOWA) — Mercy College of Health Sciences President Adreain Henry, OD, signed the 2023 Proclamation Against Human Trafficking and Slavery this week. The signing took place in the Sullivan Center on Mercy College’s campus and was witnessed by members of the campus community, President’s Cabinet, and Board of Directors.
Mercy College proclaims January as the Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month. In observance, Mercy College takes a stand against the dual evils of slavery and human trafficking each year through the public declaration and signing event. The proclamation itself condemns the practices of slavery and human trafficking and commits the College to raising awareness and finding solutions for these crimes.
The proclamation also allies Mercy College with the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery (NAHT), unifying the College with NAHT’s mission to provide community outreach and healthcare education, training, and promotion of services to survivors of human trafficking, and to collaborate with law enforcement for the eradication of these crimes.
Mercy College Professor Joseph Moravec, DMin, facilitates Mercy College’s participation in the public declaration event each year. Moravec has served as a member of NAHT’s Board of Directors, is a cofounder of Stop Trafficking Now, and has led the College’s efforts against human trafficking for many years.
As a national leader in health sciences education, Mercy College will continue to educate and bring awareness to this initiative in combating human trafficking both state- and nation-wide.
About Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is a health sciences specialty school rooted in the Catholic heritage of the Sisters of Mercy. Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa, Mercy College offers master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, certificates, and continuing education courses. Through our unique hands-on learning, unparalleled clinical rotations, and accelerated education offerings, our students are prepared to enter the workforce quickly with the critical skills necessary to make an immediate impact in their chosen healthcare careers. Guided by our Core Values of Knowledge, Reverence, Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence, Mercy College has been transforming students into successful healthcare professionals for over 120 years.
