Dr. Pamela Pugh has lived in Michigan’s 8th congressional district her entire life. With 25 years of experience as a public health expert and a strong advocate for environmental justice, she has left an indelible mark on Michigan. Her career is defined by transformative achievements and an unyielding dedication to improving residents’ lives.
During her fourteen-year tenure at the Saginaw County Health Department, Pamela demonstrated her effectiveness through strategic partnerships with community organizations, faith-based groups, academia, policymakers, and local and state government. These collaborations secured millions in funding to address critical environmental health and health equity issues. Notably, Pamela played a crucial role in the fight against childhood lead poisoning in Michigan, successfully reducing elevated blood lead levels in Saginaw children.
Pamela’s commitment to justice is evident in her response to the Flint Water Crisis, where she served as the Chief Public Health Advisor, standing alongside the residents of Flint during one of the worst man-made water crises in recent history. As a Michigan State Board of Education member, she advocated for Detroit schoolchildren in the Right to Literacy Lawsuit, urging the State to ensure students’ fundamental right to education with access to teachers, books, and safe schools.
Educated at Saginaw High School, Pamela holds a Doctor of Public Health and a Master of Science from the University of Michigan, complementing her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Florida A&M University, Florida’s only publicly-funded Historically Black College and University. Her journey from an engineer, scientist, and researcher to the president of the Michigan State Board of Education reflects her unwavering commitment to public service.
Pamela’s outstanding contributions have earned her national recognition, including two Dr. Montague Cobb Awards from the NAACP for achievements in social justice, health education and promotion, fundraising, and research. She continues to advocate for underfunded communities and address exposure risks, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.