The Vision of Nicholas Mukhtar and Healthy Detroit

Nicholas Mukhtar, the founder of Healthy Detroit, is a young, aspiring medical professional who has big plans for creating a healthier city. At just 24 years old, he isn't wasting any time working to shift the culture of health in his hometown, Detroit. While pursuing a Masters of Public Health from John Hopkins University, he's chosen to defer his medical education to establish Healthy Detroit, a non-profit organization and social movement to promote chronic disease prevention through healthier lifestyles and environments.

"Healthy Detroit aims to provide residents with the education, resources, and tools they need to live healthy lifestyles at every stage," says Nicholas Mukhtar. Since its inception in February 2012, Healthy Detroit has made significant strides toward achieving its goals. They now have a Facebook page, website, merchandise for sale, and an ambitious strategic plan.

Healthy Detroit aims to impact education, resources, and culture in the city. Nicholas Mukhtar quickly points out that tackling just one aspect won't affect change—they are all intricately intertwined. Starting with schools, Healthy Detroit will offer a mentorship program in partnership with schools over two years. At each school, public health professionals will observe the existing culture of health and wellness among students, teachers, and faculty and tailor programs and curriculum for health education and promotion. In year three, Nicholas Mukhtar anticipates that schools will be self-sufficient and eligible for a Healthy Detroit Schools designation and blue ribbon certification. Nearly 30 schools throughout the city—mostly charters—have expressed an interest in serving as pilots.

Healthy Detroit also plans to incorporate public art and inspiring murals by local artists, green infrastructure and trees for improved storm-water management, reclaimed materials from abandoned structures for park construction, rotating district farmers markets each day of the week, urban farms to be incorporated into school curriculums and youth education, and private security and solar lighting for minimal reliance on city safety services.

The parks to be developed have yet to be determined. "Data-Driven Detroit will help us figure out population density and where the most children live... the Detroit Recreation Department has offered information about which parks it needs help to maintain," Nicholas Mukhtar says. Ideally, the parks will be centrally located in each district, and Healthy Detroit will break ground early next year.

Overall, Healthy Detroit's mission is ambitious, but it's one that's sorely needed. With so many people in Detroit impacted by chronic diseases and a lack of access to healthy foods and safe places to exercise, Healthy Detroit's efforts could make a significant difference in the overall health of the city's residents.