Cosponsored with Consultative Group on Biological Diversity, EDGE Funders’ Alliance, Environmental Grantmakers Association, Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation, Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities, Great Lakes Funder Collaboration, Health and Environmental Funders Network, Neighborhood Funders Group, Rachel’s Network, and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders.
The Flint crisis has shined a light on the hundreds of communities around the country experiencing excessive lead levels in drinking water and the serious public health threat this represents—especially to children, communities of color, and women’s reproductive health. This webinar provided funders with an update on the situation in Flint, including the development of a model public health program to mitigate the impacts of lead exposure. The webinar reviewed the latest scientific research on the effects of lead, identified why water systems are failing so many communities, and highlighted what can be done about drinking water inequities. Speakers also explored how advocates can make a difference and how philanthropy can engage from the local to the national level. Speakers included: Ellen Braff-Guajardo of W.K. Kellogg Foundation; Mona Hanna-Attisha of Michigan State University; George Hawkins of District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority; Bruce Lanphear of Simon Fraser University; and Erik Olson of Natural Resources Defense Council.