“At HHS, our mission is to ensure that every American has the tools to live a healthy and productive life,” Burwell said. “To do that for the people of Flint, we are working at every level — from here on the ground in Flint to state, local and federal leadership. We will support state and local officials in ensuring that Flint has access to safe water, and that we clearly understand the impact of this lead exposure on residents’ health, and mitigate the damage.”
Two immediate steps the HHS is taking are providing $500,000 to two Flint health centers and working with the state of Michigan to provide waivers for its Medicaid program.
“This will build on the work we’re already doing with state and local partners in Flint,” Burwell said. “We’re making sure residents know that they can get lead screening for them or their children at many places in the community, including Head Start centers and community health centers. We want residents to know that behavioral health services are available. And we are spreading the word that we are working with local and state officials to measure the lead exposure and closely inspect homes at risk of lead contamination.”
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