How Flint Citizens Are Working Together to Save Their Community

Plans are finally being floated to solve Flint’s water crisis, but the process of rebuilding its broken community is off to a slow start. Throughout Flint, children are suffering from the effects of lead poisoning, some of which will be long-term. Access to safe, drinkable water is still unreliable. Many residents continue to break out in rashes, which they have attributed to bathing in toxic tap water. And the city remains mired in a state of emergency.

As news circulates about the legal ramifications of the crisis for state officials, scientists and community advocates are working hard to dig Flint out of despair. One such individual is Laura Sullivan, a mechanical engineering professor at Flint-based Kettering University, and arguably the main link between Flint residents, their local government, and the scientific community. Appointed to multiple committees and task forces dedicated to addressing Flint’s ongoing water issues, Sullivan is helping to bridge the divide left behind by a gross violation of human rights.