200 Flint Children Show High Lead Levels, Governor Appoints A Task Force
Officials have identified at least 200 kids in Flint with elevated blood lead levels due to the Flint Water Crisis. Governor Snyder formed the Flint Water Interagency Coordinating Committee to work on the problem.
Snyder revealed the number during a town hall meeting on Wednesday, but did point out that the lead testing seemed to be improving. Despite any improvements, the water in Flint is definitely not safe to drink yet.
Flint Mayor, Karen Weaver is on the 17 member committee working to monitor the ongoing Flint Water Crisis.
Governor Snyder announced the formation of the Flint Water Interagency Coordinating Committee. The committee will have the following duty,
Make recommendations regarding the health of people exposed to lead, study Flint's water infrastructure, and establish ways to improve communication between local and state government.
- Mayor Karen Weaver
- Genesee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jamie Curtis
- Virginia Tech university professor Marc Edwards;
- Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, director of the pediatric residency program at Hurley
- City Administrator Natasha Henderson
- Jim Koski, former Saginaw county drain commissioner
- Dr. Lawrence Reynolds, president and CEO of the Mott Children's Health Center
- Laura Sullivan, a professor of mechanical engineering at Kettering University
- Genesee County Health Officer Mark Valacak
- Harvey Hollins, director of the Michigan Office of Urban Initiatives
- Col. Chris Kelenske, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Department with Michigan State Police
- Keith Creagh, director of the Department of Environmental Quality
- Nick Lyon, director of the state Department of Health and Human Services
- Mike Zimmer, director of the state Department or Licensing and Regulatory Affairs,
- State Treasurer Nick Khouri
- Brian Whiston, superintendent of public instruction
One more member of the committee is expected to be announced at a later time.