Good afternoon Governor and team,
Just wanted to give you a heads up about a release DHHS is issuing today with updated
blood lead level testing. About 500 more people have been tested since the last release,
and eight more people had elevated levels.
The format and information is similar to the previous release. DHHS plans to issue such
updates every three weeks for the time being to show transparency, remind people that
testing is available if they are concerned, and that free filters and replacement cartridges
are available.
I’ve pasted the release below.
Have a nice weekend,
Dave
December 11, 2015
MDHHS releases latest round of Flint blood lead level data
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services today issued
its newest summary report on lead testing in Flint. According to preliminary data, 39 of
1,836 adults and children tested had elevated blood lead levels since Oct. 1.
“As testing continues, our focus remains on helping families reduce all potential exposures
to lead,” said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS chief medical executive. “We are working closely
with the Genesee County Health Department to provide information and offer tools in the
community, and encourage families to explore the resources that are available to them.”
Both capillary and venous blood tests are included in the report, and people who have had
multiple tests are counted only once. Tests and their results cover the time since the state
action plan was put in place on Oct. 2, and capture the number of elevated blood lead
levels greater than 5 micrograms per deciliter.
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MDHHS is working closely with local partners to offer resources and distribute important
lead testing and prevention information. Additional state funding has allowed for Genesee
County Health Department (GCHD) nurses to work with families when an elevated blood
lead level is detected. These families can also choose to have the nurse coordinate an
environmental health investigation in their home to identify lead exposures, which could
be lead from paint, soil, plumbing, and other sources.
To support these efforts, the state is coordinating with its Medicaid health plans and
provider communities on enhanced screening and testing. In addition to mandated testing
at ages one and two for the Medicaid population, MDHHS has recommended blood lead
testing for any child younger than six years of age in Flint who has not previously been
tested. The state, in coordination with GCHD, developed and issued a Health Alert
Network (HAN) notification for local providers to help ensure consistent messaging and
protocols among primary care providers.
Free water filters and replacement cartridges are still available to Flint residents. For a full
list of loeations and hours of distribution, or to view the full blood lead level report, visit
The summary will be updated as more data becomes
available.
To help residents properly install water filters, and to demonstrate how to replace tite
original when it expires, MDHHS has crestetl an instructional video on its ¥rnz7y
HHT
Dave Murray
Press Secretary | Executive Office of Governor Rick Snyder
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