Mona Hanna-Attisha

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha is a well-known pediatrician and public health advocate. Born in England, her parents were scientists who came to the United States from Iraq. She grew up in Michigan and is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She became nationally recognized for her brave actions in 2015 when she exposed the high levels of lead in the drinking water of Flint, Michigan. At the time, she was the director of the pediatric residency program at Hurley Medical Center. Her research showed that children’s blood lead levels had increased significantly after the city’s water source was switched. Despite initial pushback from government officials, she shared her findings with the public and media, ultimately bringing widespread attention to the crisis. Mona has since been recognized for her work, including being named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and a USA Today Woman of the Century. She is the author of the book, What the Eyes Don’t See, which shares her story. She now serves as the Associate Dean for Public Health at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and continues her advocacy, helping to create programs like Rx Kids, which aims to fight infant poverty.