In light of the ongoing Flint, Michigan water crisis, a group of Girl Scouts has taken a stand, and their heartfelt messages are making waves. Brownie Troop 12345 has been penning letters to Michigan Governor Rick Thompson, urging him to take immediate action for the residents of Flint, particularly the children who are adversely affected.
Thanks to the Flint Community Action Network, these poignant letters have come to light. For context, the crisis began when Flint switched its water supply to the Flint River in 2014, leading to corroded pipes and widespread lead contamination. President Obama declared a state of emergency in Flint, highlighting the severity of the situation. The outrage felt by many has been poignantly captured in the words of these young girls.
One Girl Scout expressed her feelings directly: “I’m really upset. Flint’s water is unsafe for kids to drink. It has lead.” Another wrote, “Please help the kids in Flint. They’ve been drinking lead-contaminated water for over a year. We worry for their health.” Their heartfelt pleas reflect the collective frustration felt by many: “We are concerned about the health of the kids in Flint. This can make them very sick!”
In an attempt to appeal to the Governor’s compassion, one letter stated, “The kids in Flint don’t have clean water, and they need help. Please fix the lead pipes and ensure they have safe water. I hope you like this idea. Thank you!”
According to reports, the decision to switch water sources was motivated by cost-cutting measures, despite known quality issues. A 2011 study had indicated that the water could be treated with an anti-corrosion agent costing just $100 a day, but this was never implemented. Residents began to notice changes in their water, yet were repeatedly assured it was safe to drink.
Dr. Emily Carter noticed a troubling increase in health issues among children, including rashes and hair loss. By comparing blood lead levels in children, she discovered alarming rates of lead poisoning—some children’s levels had doubled or tripled in just two years. Lead exposure is particularly harmful to children, potentially leading to developmental and cognitive issues.
While Flint’s water source was switched back to Lake Huron in October, the damage has already been done. Every one of Flint’s 8,657 children under six is now considered at risk for lead exposure. Governor Thompson has promised to take every possible step to rectify the situation, requesting $28 million for immediate solutions. However, Flint’s Mayor, Lisa Adams, estimates the total cost to address the damage may reach between $1 billion to $1.5 billion.
The letters from these Girl Scouts encapsulate the feelings of many: anger, heartbreak, and a desire for justice. It’s a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Flint residents and highlights the need for urgent action. We all share a responsibility to support the people of Flint, and you can contribute by donating to the Flint Child Health and Development Fund, the Flint Water Fund, or the Flint Water Study.
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In summary, the heartfelt letters from the Girl Scouts shine a light on the Flint water crisis, showcasing the urgency for action and the need for compassion in addressing this public health emergency.