Health, longevity and quality of life vary depending on where you live, but do they have to? Kent District Library and World Affairs Council of Western Michigan are partnering to present Living Better in West Michigan: A Global Health Perspective. Explore the factors that lead to people living longer lives here and in other parts of the world and how increased knowledge of healthcare systems can help us address the real health needs in our communities.
This free series for adults will take place on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch of KDL. The branch is located at 4950 Breton Rd. SE. Attendance is free and registration is not required.
"Focusing on global health is important because we all want the ability to live, work and enjoy life, and our health is impacted by environmental and social stressors. Importantly, health issues like pandemics, climate change and access to care transcend borders and affect everyone, regardless of nationality," said Erica Kubik, Director of Programming at the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. "Addressing global health challenges is essential not only for saving lives locally, but also for promoting stability, economic development and international cooperation worldwide."
Schedule
Oct. 7 | Covering Global Health: A Journalist’s Perspective with Fatma Tanis
Enjoy an engaging evening with NPR international correspondent Fatma Tanis as she shares powerful stories from the frontlines of global health and explores how health challenges and solutions cross borders.
Oct. 14 | Behind the Breakthroughs: Changing Communities
Join us for a conversation with Van Andel Institute's President and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Peter Jones, as he shares how centers of discovery shape global health and improve the lives of people right here in our communities.
Oct. 21 | Training for Impact: How Medical Schools Shape Community and Global Health
Learn from Dr. Charles Hong, Chair of Medicine at Michigan State University, how medical schools contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing health challenges, improving lives both locally and worldwide.
The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan empowers the people and organizations of West Michigan to engage thoughtfully with the world. For more information, visit www.worldmichigan.org. For details on this series and other in-person programs at Kent District Library, visit kdl.org/events.