For the last several years, Detroit has been the focal point of the Great Recession.  Events, such as the government bailout of GM and Chrysler, the abandoned buildings, the tourism industry and the City’s declaration of bankruptcy have all received media attention. 

Despite this fact, bright hopefuls still aim to make positive change for Detroit and its residents. The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) recently sat down with Nicholas Mukhtar, founder of the nonprofit, Healthy Detroit.  Mukhtar is a second-generation Iraqi American, an aspiring surgeon, and is fairly close to completing his Master’s degree in public health. 

Mukhtar.

Overcoming significant obstacles and ignoring derision from voices that told him not to “waste his time on Detroit,” Mukhtar saw an opportunity to collaborate with government and nonprofit entities, as well as Detroit citizens, to form a new, health-centered nonprofit.

Mukhtar: Healthy Detroit is the first organization in the U.S. to act on the federal government’s National Prevention Strategy. Healthy Detroit aims to provide education and resources to the citizens of Detroit, in order to empower residents to make healthy choices.

We are currently in the planning stages of a “Healthy Detroit Schools” curriculum, and we anticipate the groundbreaking of a major “healthpark” initiative. We’re looking at a three-year building process, which will result in innovative recreation centers in seven Detroit districts that incorporate preventative care measures and will be staffed by medical students.

Mukhtar: Overwhelmingly, we have had success in working with great partners, including individuals, schools, nonprofits and government entities. I feel like this is a perfect time for Healthy Detroit to begin to solve problems. 

One challenge would be learning how to be a CEO and the many demands that come with the position; there is a lot that goes into running a successful nonprofit, beyond just helping people.

Mukhtar: I believe we can save a lot of lives without cutting people open. My mom is a major inspiration; she’s been battling cancer for 12 years. My dad, an immigrant, encouraged me to work hard for my dreams.  Also, I really, really like Detroit. 

Mukhtar: I see myself as a social entrepreneur and a philanthropist. I believe that if you can help, you should. Even though Detroit’s issues are bigger than me, you take what’s there and you work with it. 

We look forward to hearing more from Mukhtar and Healthy Detroit soon!  Learn more about Healthy Detroit by visiting the nonprofit’s website at //www.healthydetroit.org/.