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BlackRock Health Sciences Trust

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust

100 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

April 24, 2019

VIA EDGAR

Division of Investment Management

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street, N.E.

Washington, D.C. 20549

Re: BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (the “Registrant”)

Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-230158)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Pursuant to Rule 461 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant hereby requests acceleration of the effective date of the above-referenced Registration Statement on Form N-2 so that it is declared effective on April 26, 2019, or as soon as practicable thereafter. BlackRock Investments, LLC, the principal distributor of the Registrant, hereby joins in the Registrant’s request for acceleration of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.

If this request is granted, we respectfully request that we be notified by telephone at the time of effectiveness, and that such effectiveness also be confirmed in writing. Please call Stacey P. Ruiz of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP at (212) 728-8037.

Very truly yours,

BlackRock Health Sciences Trust
By:		/s/ Janey Ahn
		Name: Janey Ahn
		Title:   Secretary

BlackRock Investments, LLC
By:		/s/ Gregory Rosta
		Name: Gregory Rosta
		Title:   Director, Chief Compliance Officer