Flint water crises
- From
- Kyle Guerrant
- To
- L Staff
Colleagues,
As you know, the Governor has declared a state of emergency for Genesee County due to the ongoing
health and safety issues caused by lead in the City of Flint’s drinking water. The State has established an
incident command operations center at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). Louis Burgess,
our Emergency Management Coordinator, and other staff have been representing MDE at the
SEQC. This is currently operating seven days a week. MDE leadership is being kept up to date of the
State’s on-going efforts in Flint. A Joint Information Center (JIC) has been established. All messages
regarding Flint and water safety issues are to be coordinated through the JIC.
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Any MDE staff conducting business in the Flint area should be aware that there is some resentment
towards the State concerning the handling of the water crises. Staff should not travel in State-owned
cars through Flint neighborhoods. Any MDE logo clothing should be avoided. (This is more an issue for
uniformed staff of other state agencies.)
State officials from the Department of Environmental Quality have been working with schools, child care
centers, and other institutions to ensure that they are taking proper safety precautions related to
water. The State is actively coordinating water filter distribution, water quality testing, blood level
testing, and distribution of bottled water with local county emergency managers. MDE staff in the
Office of School Support Services have also been working with child nutrition program providers since
last October. OSSS staff continues to reach out to Flint-area MDE-approved child nutrition program
providers (both school meals and Child and Adult Care food programs) to ensure they are aware of
available resources regarding water quality.
The State is maintaining an up-to-date website on the Flint water crises at
The “Taking Action of Flint Water” link on the MDE
Homepage (left side) will take you to the same webpage.
If you have any communication going out to the field that is related to the Flint water crises, you should
coordinate your message with Marty Ackley. Marty will coordinate with the JIC to ensure that we have
a consistent, accurate message.
If you have any questions on the Flint water crises, feel free to contact me or Louis. If you are interested
in this issue, be aware that Dr. Eden Wells will be making a presentation on the Flint water crises
tomorrow at the State Board meeting (Tuesday, January 12). Dr. Wells is the Chief Medical Executive of
the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
KG
Kyle Guerrant, LMSW
Deputy Superintendent
Administration & Schoo! Support Services
Michigan Department of Education
p 517-335-0565 | f 517-335-4565
[email protected]
Twitter:
Customer Service is a priority at the Michigan Department of Education — helping Michigan schools,
famtlies, and communities improve the achievement and well-being of ALL our children.
MICHIGANK )
Ediication
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Workman, Wayne (TREASURY)