Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Michigan Governor: Staff Had Told Him Flint Wasn't A Problem
The night before he learned about the Flint water crisis, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said he received a briefing "telling me that there really isn't a problem in Flint. That these outside experts aren't correct." The next day, Sept. 28, 2015, he had a conference call with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Health and Human Services. (Allen, 4/11)
A nurse volunteering at the free lead-testing clinic at a Flint school sensed immediately that the boy was nervous about being poked in the finger. Veronica Robinson explained to 7-year-old Zyontae that it would feel like a mosquito bite. (Householder, 4/12)
With concern growing about the chemical known as PFOA contaminating drinking water systems in southern New Hampshire, residents are now looking for ways to test their own water. (Ganley, 4/11)
For the past several years, Clearwater residents have been drinking water with fluoride levels lower than what is widely accepted to be optimal by dental professionals. But in a sudden burst of urgency Monday, the City Council voted to accelerate its plans to add fluoride to the water supply that will meet recommended concentrations. (McManus, 4/11)
