Written by Tanya Terry, with photos provided by Michigan State University
After receiving $4.8 million in federal funding, the Flint Registry has announced they will continue operations through 2026.
Dr. Mona Hana, pediatrician and associate dean for Public Health at MSU College of Human Medicine, spoke at an August 5 press conference held at Brush Park.
She stated: “We did not know if we were going to continue. We did not know if we could continue this long-term critically important work to support the people of Flint after the water crisis. It has been several months of uncertainty. Then about a month ago or, the lead department at the at the CDC got reinstated….So one of the first things they did…was to make sure that these dollars got out the door and came to the city of Flint.”
Hanna said the Flint Registry began almost exactly 10 years ago after she and her colleagues recognized there was “a population level crisis.”
“The entire city of Flint was exposed to badness for over a year and a half,” she added. “And we knew that we were going to have to do longterm work to support the people of Flint.”
Hanna further explained the Flint Registry was conceived of an idea, in partnership with the health coalition and the City of Flint.
“But we had no money. Eventually, the the state of Michigan gave us a planning grant.”
Knowing this was not enough, Hanna said she and her colleagues spend ample time in Washington.
Because of their focused advocacy, Hanna said the Flint Registry is now one of the largest exposure-based registries in the country, with over 20,000 participants.
In addition, the Registry has provided over 35,000 referrals to services.
Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet pointed out the Flint Registry had served as a model for the rest of the country.
The Flint Registry has shared best practices with environmental and public health disaster response teams in communities from Benton Harbor, Michigan to Honolulu, Hawaii.
“I am working side by side with other members of our delegation, Republicans and Democrats, to make sure that everybody knows about the amazing work that’s happening right here and why it’s so critical for our community,” stated McDonald Rivet.
Flint resident Wendy J. said The Flint Registry had been a trusted resource hub, helping rebuild confidence and connecting residents to real solutions.
Others who joined in the celebration included Mayor Sheldon Neeley, CEO and President of the Greater Flint Health Coalition Jim Ananich and many other Flint residents and distinguished speakers.
Learn more about the Flint Registry at www.flintregistry.org
