MUSCATINE, Iowa – Dr. Jim Yong Kim – a former World Bank president, educator and global health leader – will return to this community next month for an event focusing on the state of mental health in the nation.
The Community Conservation on Mental Health event is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, in the Muscatine High School Auditorium. The event has free admission and is open to the public. Click here to reserve a seat.
Dr. Kim, an expert on global health and mental well being, will be the event’s keynote speaker. The event will be sponsored by KENT Corporation.
A former resident of Muscatine and 1978 graduate of Muscatine High School, Dr. Kim also will be at a meet-and-greet event at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at the Community Foundation of Great Muscatine, 215 W. Mississippi Drive. That event also is open to the public. Reservations are required, and can be made by going here.
Dr. Kim has served in strategic national and global life-enhancing roles, including director of the World Health Organization (2003-2006), president of Dartmouth College (2009-2012), president of the World Bank (2012-2019), and vice-chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners (2019-present).
He is a sought-after speaker and contributor, presenting to the world’s most powerful leaders, as well as prestigious global health, economic, and student forums.
A physician and anthropologist, Dr. Kim is the recipient of a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and has been recognized as one of America’s “25 Best Leaders” by U.S. News & World Report. He also has been named to TIME’s “100 Most Influential People in the World,” and listed in Forbes’ “World’s Most Powerful People.”
The Oct. 10 mental health event aims to bring together leading experts in the field to explore the current state of mental health and offer insights into how individuals and communities can better support mental well-being.
In addition to Dr. Kim, these experts are scheduled to be at the event:
- Dr. Rima Afifi: A professor at the University of Iowa and director of the Prevention Research Center for Rural Health, Dr. Afifi engages in public health research and practice with the intent to promote social, community, and policy environments conducive to well-being.
- Alma Brunson: Founder of Micaela’s Hope and advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, Ms. Brunson strives to help those in need and spread awareness of mental health to honor her daughter Micaela, who died by suicide at age 16 in 2016.
- Ben Pohl: With expertise in pediatrics and adult health, Mr. Pohl exhibits a deep understanding of the impact stigma has on care and current trends that will impact your health. As a physician assistant at UnityPoint Clinic, he is actively involved in leading community health initiatives to improve outcomes and promote wellness.
