Mona Hanna-Attisha

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Mona Hanna-Attisha is an American pediatrician, public health advocate, and professor known for her role in uncovering the Flint water crisis. In 2014, she revealed that children in Flint, Michigan were being exposed to dangerous levels of lead in the city's water supply, a discovery that prompted a national discussion on water quality and public health. Hanna-Attisha's work has been recognized with numerous awards and has had a significant impact on environmental health policies in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Mona Hanna-Attisha was born in the United Kingdom to Iraqi parents. Her family moved to the United States when she was a child, settling in Michigan. She pursued her undergraduate education at the University of Michigan, where she earned a degree in Environmental Health. Following her passion for medicine and public health, Hanna-Attisha obtained her medical degree from Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. She also holds a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan.

Career

Hanna-Attisha began her career as a pediatrician in Flint, Michigan, where she quickly became involved in community health initiatives. Her interest in public health led her to investigate the Flint water supply after the city switched its water source to the Flint River in 2014. Noticing a rise in lead levels in her pediatric patients, she conducted a study that confirmed the increase in lead exposure among Flint children post-water switch.

Her findings, initially met with resistance from state and local officials, eventually gained widespread attention, leading to an acknowledgment of the public health crisis and efforts to address the contaminated water supply in Flint. Hanna-Attisha's advocacy was instrumental in bringing the issue to the national forefront, resulting in state and federal investigations.

Impact and Recognition

Mona Hanna-Attisha has been honored with several awards for her work, including recognition from the American Public Health Association and being named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People. Her efforts have also led to increased public and governmental awareness about the importance of environmental factors on health, particularly for children.

Publications

Hanna-Attisha has contributed to the field through numerous publications, including her book, "What the Eyes Don't See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City," which details her experience in Flint and the broader implications of the water crisis on public health policy and environmental justice.

Legacy

Mona Hanna-Attisha's work extends beyond the Flint water crisis. She continues to advocate for public health, environmental justice, and policy changes to prevent similar crises in the future. Her efforts have made her a respected figure in the fields of medicine and public health advocacy.

See Also

• Flint water crisis
• Lead poisoning
• Environmental health
• Public health in the United States

Mona Hanna-Attisha Resources
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