They’re not helping me,’ says man with high lead levels

More News

pt.2016.06.06_Megan
Editor’s Note: The following is a portion of Aaron Stinson’s testimony at the “Two Years Too Long” commemoration rally of the Flint River water poisoning in Flint, MI.  Arron is 39-years-old and had the largest recorded level of lead in Genesee County, MI.
My name is Aaron Stinson for all you that don’t know me or may have not seen me. I have the highest lead level recorded in Genesee County. I was tested February 7 and I came in with a lead level of 27. I was retested in March; my blood lead level is 19.1.
I’ve done interviews with all of the local television stations, CNN; they even asked me to come down to the democratic debate and ask three questions on behalf of the people of Flint, as far as how we feel about the water situation. I emailed my questions that were asked on the air.
What concerns me about the whole situation… we’re being told that we can bathe in the water, we’re being told that we can still drink the water, it’s safe to consume, we’re still having people getting sick, we’re still having people not getting tested, we still don’t have the full support… people, we need to spread the word. I’m not going to sit up here and scream at you and talk your ears off. Please share what you know. I’m standing up here looking like a healthy, young, Black male. I’m sick people. Lead is in my body. I don’t know how it’s going to affect me. My healthcare providers are not helping me medically. They’re not helping me in any way.

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

Featured

Elections: The People Have Spoken Loud and Clear

The midterm election victories were not so much an endorsement of the Democrats as a social revolt against the ongoing assault on the people. The people demanded that their voices be heard and their needs be addressed. There will no doubt be more upheavals to come.

Michigan Senate Race Could Signal Game Changer in Electoral Politics

The world is watching Abdul El-Sayed, candidate for U.S. Senate race in Michigan.

Let Love Be The Uprising

"There is a particular kind of courage in remaining tender when the world rewards brutality," writes poet Sarah Hackney.

A Vision For a City We Can Live In

A mayoral candidate's platform in Oregon symbolizes many campaigns for change nationally, highlighting concrete platforms for change that include local control by the public, housing/homelessness first, food, jobs, health, and more. 

US Terrorizes Migrants and Countries, Witnesses Tell Mexico City Tribunal

A series of International Tribunal of Conscience hearings held over the last eight months in the US and Latin America have gathered testimony on US crimes against migrants and countries. The hearing this month in Mexico City featured around 40 witnesses from more than 16 countries.

More from the People's Tribune