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Frequently

Asked Questions

2025 Survey

Why do I need to fill out my own surveys now that I'm 18 years old?

When your parent or guardian enrolled you in the Flint Registry, they completed surveys on your behalf. However, now that you have turned 18, you are considered an adult and must complete health surveys for yourself.

To be able to complete the 2025 follow-up survey, we kindly ask that you update your contact information. It is necessary for them to update their contact information and confirm their desire to continue to participate as an adult member of the Flint Registry.

Your child can update their contact information by visiting the following link: https://flintregistry.ctsi.msu.edu/surveys/?s=FPALMFF7RD]

If you have any questions or need support completing the survey, please reach out to us at 833-GO-FLINT (833-463-5468).

Benefits of Joining

What is the purpose of the Registry?

The purpose of the Flint Registry is to connect and empower our community. It is for anyone who was exposed to Flint water because they lived, worked, went to school, or regularly visited the City of Flint between April 25, 2014, and October 15, 2015.

Is the Flint Registry related to the class action lawsuits or the Flint water settlement lawsuit?

No, the Flint Registry is NOT part of the class action lawsuits or the Flint water settlement lawsuit. Participation in the Registry or participation in the lawsuits is not related to each other. The Flint Registry is a voluntary public health registry administered by Flint-based Michigan State University.

What is the benefit of the Registry for me?

The Flint Registry helps connect people to services and programs that currently exist to aid in the recovery process. You might benefit from participating in the Registry if we are able to connect you to resources in the community. This is also an opportunity to share your story.

What is the benefit of the Registry for the Flint community?

The benefit of the Flint Registry for the community is that we will use the data we collect to see how the City of Flint is doing as a whole. We can also use the data to advocate for more services and resources that are needed.

What is the benefit of the Registry for everyone?

The benefit of the Flint Registry for everyone is that it can be used as a model for similar public health crises.

What are the public health goals of the Registry?

The public health goals of the Flint Registry were set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They include: 1) Participants will use preventive services. 2) Participants will reduce environmental lead exposures where they live, work, and play. 3) Participants will experience better health and fewer developmental delays. 4) The Flint Registry data collection will lead to increased quality and quantity of data to inform policy and program administration for lead poisoning prevention and elimination. 5) Registry data collection will lead to increased knowledge about the effectiveness of the numbers of prevention services leading to improved outcomes. 6) Registry data collection will lead to increased knowledge about the effectiveness of different types of prevention services leading to improved outcomes. 7) Registry data collection will lead to increased knowledge about acute and long-term impacts of lead exposure.

Is the Registry just for kids?

No, the Registry is for all ages.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

The Flint Registry is for anyone who was exposed to Flint water because they lived, worked, went to school, or regularly visited the City of Flint during April 2014-October 2015. This includes children who were born before August 1, 2016, that may have been exposed during pregnancy.

What if I don’t want to participate?

Participation is voluntary. You have the right to say no. You may change your mind at any time and withdraw. You may choose not to answer specific questions or to stop participating at any time.

Why are you asking for my birthdate?

We are using your birthdate along with your name to verify that we are speaking to and sending information to the correct person.

Who will see my information?

This data will be shared in a de-identified way. This means that no information that identifies you will be shared, like your name, address, or birthday. Participants provide consent to be connected to further studies, services, and resources. Information from the Registry will NOT be shared outside the Registry team. Your information will not be shared with employers, schools, insurers, the government, or anyone else unless you give consent.

How do I know I am being contacted by the Flint Registry?

You know it’s us by our bird logo on all our materials. Our $50 thank-you checks are given as an appreciation for your time. We understand that there are a lot of other surveys and projects happening in Flint, and some of them also give appreciation checks. It can be confusing. The Flint Registry is not connected with these other projects. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us to verify the communication is coming from us. Call us at 833-GO-FLINT (833-463-5468) or email flintregistry@hc.msu.edu

How will you keep my information safe?

Your information will be kept private. Your answers will be kept separate from your name and other identifying information. All electronic records will be kept safe through password-protected databases and secured servers at Michigan State University and Hurley Medical Center. Our staff receive training in ways to keep information secure. Any written materials will be kept in a locked file cabinet at Michigan State University’s Flint Campus. Only authorized Registry staff and its contractors will be able to access your information.

What is Flint Lead Free?

Flint Lead Free is a workgroup of the Flint Registry. Flint Lead Free seeks to identify lead-related programs and training and determine target audiences for these training sessions. They also create a lead elimination report. Flint Lead Free works to facilitate a change in our community that will result in reduced lead exposure for our residents. Also, Flint Lead Free aims for Flint to ultimately become the first city in the nation to eliminate childhood lead exposure.

What is your logo all about? Why is it a bird?

The bird represents the Sankofa bird, a mythical African bird from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The bird is flying forward, yet looking back, and carrying an egg in its mouth. It is symbolic of always needing to move forward but never forgetting what happened in the past and prioritizing the young. The logo suggestion was made by a Flint resident.

More questions?

Contact us at FlintRegistry@hc.msu.edu or 833-GO-FLINT (833-463-5468).

Imari – Referral Process Manager, Flint Registry

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