Hanna-Attisha discusses Flint water crisis

The Leading Voices in Public Health series came to a close this semester with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, an author, activist and champion for pediatric care.

Hanna-Attisha was instrumental in uncovering the Flint water crisis and has continued helping her region. Hanna-Attisha wrote “What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City,” which is a book that centers on the Flint water crisis and the efforts to remedy the situation.

Hanna-Attisha founded and now directs the Michigan State University and Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Health Initiative, which is a leading innovative health program in Flint, Michigan. Hanna-Attisha has been awarded the Freedom of Expression Courage Award by PEN America, was named as Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, recognized as one of USA Today’s Women of the Century and received the 2020 Fries Prize for Improving Health.

Mediators of the lecture, Center for Teaching Excellence Director Amy Johnson and Dean of ETSU’s College of Public Health Dr. Randy Wykoff, were enthusiastic for Hanna-Attisha to speak with ETSU faculty and students.

The lecture focused on Hanna-Attisha’s book and questions from the audience. Beginning by acknowledging the guilty verdict in the Dereck Chauvin trial that had just been released, Hanna-Attisha related public health and the story of Flint to social justice.

“It’s about people, places and populations that we choose not to see – that don’t matter as much to other populations,” said Hanna-Attisha.

Hanna-Attisha went on to speak about the Flint water crisis and why lead poisoning is so dangerous.

She noted that residency students were involved every step of the way during the unearthing of the crisis and recovery efforts. Hanna-Attisha said that she feels teaching is the greatest way to make an impact and that hands-on learning is extremely important.

Hanna-Attisha spoke on environmental racism and how crucial it is for public health professionals to understand the intersectional issues and social determinants of health their patients may be facing.

“Like I said in the beginning, I wear lots of hats. I’m a doctor, I’m a researcher, but I’m also an advocate,” said Hanna-Attisha. “Being an activist is part of my job description.”

Hanna-Attisha detailed how it felt to be a whistleblower. She said it was daunting knowing powerful people were against her at first but that she knew it was right the thing to do and encouraged the attendees of the lecture to speak up in their disciplines. Hanna-Attisha called ETSU members to be inquisitive and reminded them of their power to make a difference.

“There’s so much I would like to leave you with, but one thing is my story, the Flint story, it is about a crime committed with absolute indifference against some of the most vulnerable people in our country,” said Hanna-Attisha. “But I want you to take away that it’s also a story of how everyday people: moms, pastors, community members, journalists, students, scientists, doctors and all kinds of different folks came together and refused to accept the status quo and spoke up, despite how hard it was to advocate and to fight on behalf of especially our children.”