Flint Registry

Project start date and end date: August 1, 2017 – Present

Background:
In 2014, officials in Flint, MI made the decision to switch the municipal water source from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department to the Flint River.  This decision lead to what became known as the Flint Water Crisis; consequently, several serious issues with the municipal water were identified, including increased exposure of residents to lead in their drinking water.  Exposure to lead can result in serious health hazards; children are particularly vulnerable to severe negative effects on IQ, cognitive ability and attention across the lifespan.  In response, a life course registry has been developed for Flint residents who were exposed to lead contaminated water during the Flint Water Crisis to connect them with appropriate services and to facilitate evaluation of health outcomes.

Objectives:
CHEAR is collaborating with Michigan State University to support the design, development, implementation and evaluation of the Flint Registry.

Research Topics & Methods:
In support of this project, CHEAR will:

• Design and develop Flint Registry data acquisition strategies;
• Identify candidate data sources including existing registries, administrative data sources, vital records, and other sources; and
• Develop key evaluation and performance measures including candidate metrics from the assessment of key process and related health outcomes.

Implications:
The Flint Registry will be a robust data source that allows the sharing of information regarding resident’s health, educational programs, and community services that residents may be participating in or utilizing. With this information, the registry will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of various resources and services, as well as provide support for the continued advocacy for programs and services that are the most beneficial to the community.

Funder:
The project is funded by a five-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded to Michigan State University.

Collaborators:
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, Michigan State University