MSU pediatrician nationally recognized by Carnegie as Distinguished Immigrant

MSU Today

Mona Hanna-Attisha, an associate professor of pediatrics in the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, has been named a Great Immigrant by Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Every year, the philanthropic organization celebrates distinguished individuals who enrich the fabric of American culture and strengthen democracy through their lives, work and example.

This year’s annual public awareness initiative, Great Immigrants, Great Americans, will take place on July 4.

Thirty-eight honorees will be celebrated and represent a range of personal immigration experiences and high-level leadership in numerous fields.

Hanna-Attisha, a public health advocate, was recognized for her study that exposed elevated lead blood levels in Flint, Michigan children. She currently directs the MSU/Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, an innovative public health program that researches and monitors the impact of the water crisis and helps Flint children grow up healthy and strong.

“In their faith, their love of family and their patriotism for their adopted land, these Great Immigrants have done so much?—?and will do so much more in the future,” said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York. “For this, and for all their contributions, we respect, admire and celebrate them.”

The honorees will be recognized with a full-page, public service announcement in the New York Times on the Fourth of July.