The Flint Water Crisis
Discussion Overview
In this discussion, students will discuss social determinants related to the Flint water crisis. Students will analyze the economic and political context that led to the Flint Water Crisis (2015) and will discuss how vulnerable populations are more susceptible to issues of environmental justice.
Deliverables
Your participation in the discussion forum includes:
A response to the initial questions below
Cite and reference the evidence which supports your responses
Step 1
Read and review the following:
The Flint Water Crisis Explained
https://www.vox.com/2016/2/15/10991626/flint-water-crisis
Flint, Michigan: Lethal Water
https://repository.gheli.harvard.edu/repository/collection/teaching-pack-flint-michigan-and-lethal-water/resource/11515
https://www.nrdc.org/media/2020/200329
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/20/flint-water-crisis-lawsuit-settlement/5616583002/
Rector Textbook Pages 1062-1070 (Urban Populations and Health Disparities)
Step 2
After reading the articles, address the following elements in your initial post:
Provide an overview of the factors contributing to the Flint Water Crisis. How is Flint different now compared to the 1960s? What happened?
Describe the social determinants leading to health disparities in Flint, Michigan. For example, what social factors in Flint are not directly about health that nonetheless harmed childrens health?
What are the effects of lead poisoning in children? What is an acceptable level? Discuss the short-term and long-term consequences of lead exposure.
As a public health nurse, how would you determine if lead poisoning is a problem in a particular community?
Discuss ways could you empower vulnerable individuals and families in this type of urban community (Read pages 1062-1063 in Rector). If you were a public health nurse in an urban area similar to Flint, Michigan, what are your ideas on how you could advocate for change at a population level for citizens in order to improve health outcomes?
