Dr. Devi Gurung States
HFHCP Founder/Executive Director
Saint Louis, MO
Dr. Devi Gurung States was born and raised in the Tilche Village in Manang, Nepal. After his parents passed away, he became homeless in Kathmandu because he was too young and could not find a job. He lived for months in the streets of Kathmandu until he found a job at KC’s Restaurant as a dishwasher.
From these early hardships emerged two dreams: to own a restaurant and to help improve the health status of children and their families who are poor and suffering as he once was.
While working at the restaurant, he met Dr. James H. States, M.D, who successfully ascended Mt. Everest in 1983. Following this success, Dr. James States brought young Devi back to the U.S. with him.
Dr. Devi Gurung States completed his high school education at Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, Washington, and he received his Bachelor’s degrees in pre-medicine and psychology from Eastern Washington University in Cheney in 1991. After completing his high school and undergraduate education in the state of Washington, Devi asked his father, Dr. James States, what he could do to pay him back for giving him the opportunity to prosper in the United States. Dr. James States simply told him to help people. For this reason, Devi decided to pursue his graduate degree in Social Work and learn the skills of helping people.
He completed his Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) at Saint Louis University in 1994. Following this, he worked as a medical social worker and developed an interest in healthy lifestyles and preventive medicine. This led him to earn a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) from Saint Louis University in 1997. Currently Devi holds the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) degree in healthcare leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Utilizing his knowledge and training from his Master’s and Doctorate studies, along with many years of professional work experience with chronic disease prevention and health promotion, Dr. Devi Gurung States brought his first dream to fruition. February of 2004 saw the grand opening of the Everest Cafe & Bar. Through this venue, Dr. Devi States has taken a unique approach to promoting healthy lifestyles by serving nutritious and tasty meals, along with free health screenings, for his customers.
In March, 2011 he earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.
Dr. Devi Gurung States is now working toward completing his second dream of improving the health status of suffering children and their families from his former home in Nepal. To facilitate this endeavor, he has established the Himalayan Family Healthcare Project.
His wife, Connie States, is from South Korea. They have two teenage children, James and Jesse.