The Emotional Toll of the Flint Water Crisis

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President Obama will travel to Flint, Michigan today to address the ongoing water crisis in that city. He will attend a briefing along with Republican Governor Rick Snyder, and visit a soup kitchen before addressing the Flint community at a local high school.

Mr. Obama will also meet with Amariayanna "Mari" Copeny, an 8-year-old elementary school student who penned a letter to him (see below) back in March. 

The president's visit will provide a moment of levity for many residents who are still distrustful of the water and the authorities who say it is safe to drink. Along with the physical and mental health affects of lead poisoning, psychological issues are now a growing concern as Flint residents grapple with the emotional toll.   

How are the people of Flint coping? For answers, we turn to Elizabeth Burtch, a licensed master social worker with Genesee Health System in Flint. She is a member of a team of crisis workers stationed throughout the city helping Flint residents cope. 

Also weighing in is Dr. Kent Key, is a Flint native. He's Community Engagement Researcher for the Michigan Institute for Clinical Health and Research at the University of Michigan and Executive Deputy Director of Community Based Organization Partners. 

Letters between 8-year-old "Mari" Copeny of Flint, MI and President Obama

(whitehouse.gov /The Takeaway) 

President Obama letter to Amariayanna "Mari" Copeny

(whitehouse.gov /The Takeaway)

Miss Flint, Amariyanna Copeny (8), delivered 10 dozen cup cakes for Christmas to the Flint Police today. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/7mcP3sMgot

— Flint Police Dept. (@FlintPoliceDept) December 22, 2015