The blog was authored by Cicily Hampton, PhD, director of health policy for the Society for Public Health Education. Dr. Hampton points out children are testing positive for elevated levels of lead in their blood in a number of places, including Jefferson Parish, La.; Tyler County, W.Va.; and Dubois County, Ind. The water quality is particularly problematic in Houston County, Ala., where more than half of the children tested have lead poisoning.
Unlike in many other communities however, the crisis in Flint is all over the news. Public health officials have estimated the long-term response to the city’s lead poisoning may cost up to $100 million over the next 10 to 15 years, not including an additional $1.5 billion to address the city’s water supply infrastructure.
Thanks to the recent attention on the Michigan city, policy efforts have been made at the local, state and federal level to expand resources to residents of Flint affected by the crisis.
“Given that the Flint water crisis is making national headlines right now, the city may receive some or all of these improvements to battle the damage inflicted on residents by the lead-contaminated water,” Dr. Hampton wrote. “But what about the other places where children are testing positive for lead poisoning? Who will shine a spotlight on the policy failures in places like Jefferson Parish, Tyler County, Dubois County, and Houston County?”
More articles on the Flint water crisis:
Nearly 16 months after Legionnaires’ outbreak, Flint’s water still untested
Henry Ford Health System pledges $100k in aid for Flint
Secretary Burwell: Medicaid expansion waiver for Flint will likely be granted
