Student raises awareness of global health conditions

Mina Meman has known for three years that she wanted to be a cardiothoracic surgeon. Last summer, Meman worked two jobs and took 15 credits at PSU.

During that time, Meman, 19, realized she could be doing much more important things with her time. As a result, she quit both of her jobs and started a foundation called The Journey to Heal Kurdistan.

“I decided that having years of undergrad, medical school [and] general surgery left should not stop me from educating myself and making as much of a difference as possible in the global health situation,” she said. “It is something I am incredibly passionate about.”

Tomorrow at 2 p.m., Meman will be speaking and answering questions about the foundation and her planned documentary in the Cascade Room in Smith Memorial Student Union.

This June, Meman will be heading to the Kurdistan region, an area in the Middle East spanning parts of Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria. The entire trip, which will last for three months, will be filmed to create the documentary. 

 “The organization is a reflection of the long-term dedication that I have to bringing awareness and aid to the poor health system, lack of medical technology and weak public health education,” Meman said.

Since Meman founded The Journey to Heal Kurdistan, organizations such as CardioStart International, Oregon Health and Science University and many others have gotten involved.

“[These organizations] have offered their services, support and wisdom,” she said. “My family and friends are [also] an incredible support, and the heart surgeons at OHSU have been absolutely remarkable in their wisdom and guidance.”

CardioStart International will be accompanying Meman for a two-week period this summer. Advanced heart investigations and procedures will be offered during the trip, according to the organization’s website.

“All essential donated equipment is left in the country for the hospital to use for its own advancement, and the relationship continues over several years, where possible, to ensure future donations can be usefully added to the program as it expands,” according to CardioStart’s website.

During her presentation this Wednesday, Meman will explain the extent of the involvement these organizations have had with the cause.

She will also share personal stories, answer questions about her trip and the documentary and will educate students about the instability of the health system in Kurdistan.

“I will share stories of those who have unnecessarily suffered from some of the simplest viruses and disease just because they don’t have immunizations or access to certain medications,” Meman said. “I will [also] share stories of the Kurds, their history, the attempted genocide and how Saddam Hussein held them back for years.”

Fourteen years ago, Meman said her father was working for the American government in Iraq. After being forced to flee the country, her family was relocated to Oregon, where they had to start from scratch.

“We brought almost nothing to the states with us,” she said. “We didn’t speak the language. We had no idea what we were doing. Fourteen years later, the kids have grown up. We seized every opportunity to learn and grow that came our way.”

Meman’s oldest sister is currently on her way to becoming a lawyer, while another sister is in a pre-dental program.

She is also going the medical route, but wants to give back to the country she left behind.

Meman’s presentation this Wednesday will be free, but donations are accepted. All donations will go to fund the documentary and trip. For those interested in getting involved, there will be opportunities for volunteering and possible internships presented tomorrow.

For more information about The Journey to Heal Kurdistan, visit www.healkurdistan.blogspot.com or contact Meman at [email protected].

Another presentation will be held during the first week of June, right before her departure.

“This is truly an optimistic issue,” Meman said. “I really hope that I can spark a desire in these students to learn about this issue and begin educating themselves more on our global health system.”