Many don’t realize that the Flint, Michigan water crisis started in 2014 and is still affecting children and families to today. With little relief and plenty of work that needs to be done, it’s important to hear what communities believe should be done by our government and to draw awareness to this topic that has been lost in the media’s 24 hour coverage cycle.

    Elizabeth Heinn, a student at North, says that “Our government should intervene, it’s a bigger problem with fewer solutions,” Heinn continues to say that “the media needs to show people that it’s still a problem” and that we need to keep at it, the kids there deserve that much.

    I asked her what the government should do and she tackles the subject of poverty within the area, and that somewhere the funding has to made up if anything was going to be fixed. This could be a tax possibility, or a bigger foundation option. “The country has to help this community no matter which path we take” Heinn quotes.

    A community member who has lived in several states including Flint, Michigan, Sara Friesen, says that “The local government was justified in their actions to try and cut costs but that’s where it stops.” She continues to talk about that they need to take a lot more ownership on the subject and reach out more for their own people.

    “I believe media coverage is important because it informs people of what’s going on but also helps them know what to do if this happens again.” Friesen says. She talks of awareness, and a lesson learned in budgeting.

    It’s easy to let events sweep one another under a rug, but it’s important to realize that this doesn’t mean it’s over. Starting a fire on the topic of Flint’s crisis pulls in help and lets that community know they aren’t alone in their own country. It takes the word of many to push change, and that’s what this is about.