FLINT, MI - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced today that it will provide an additional $500,000 in funding to help mitigate potential lead damage in Flint children.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell made the announcement on Feb. 18 after she along with group of federal, state and local leaders toured Hamilton Community Health Network on North Saginaw Street in Flint.
Burwell also confirmed that HHS will approve a number of requests made by Gov. Rick Snyder including Medicaid coverage expansion for children and pregnant women in Flint.
"We see our role right now as a role that is important in terms of supporting the local community and getting to place were two hinges have occurred in terms of our goals," Burwell said. "Number one is getting to a place where there is clean safe water for both the short term and long term."
HHS along with other federal departments and officials have been in the city of Flint working to help decrease the potential damage that children in the Flint area may face after consuming lead tainted water.
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow recognized Burwell for her efforts.
"I have been extremely pleased to work with Secretary Burwell in advance of her visit and appreciate her responding to our request for additional health care resources to help families in Flint affected by this terrible crisis," said Stabenow. "While the state must take the lead to meet its responsibility to the community, I will continue to do everything I can do to make sure a much federal assistance as possible is available to help Flint families."
Burwell said the increased funding will go to Hamilton Community Health Network and Genesee Health Systems which will each get $250,000. She said she is working closely with government leaders in hopes of finding a solution for Flint.