More National Guard members arrive in Flint as round-the-clock effort continues

FLINT, Mich (WJBK) - Things aren't getting better in Flint and more members of the National Guard are there to hand out filters and bottled water. However, supplies are running dangerously low and donations are needed, now.

Drinking water is still at a premium in Flint and cases upon cases of water are being dropped off, along with extra members of the National Guard. The numbers have increased from 7 to 30 but the need is still great.

Major General Greg Vadnaise said they've got water, test kits, filters, and they're trying to get that distributed. The plan is to take some of the pressure off the Red Cross, who have been distributing supplies at the five fire stations in Flint and the National Guard is a welcome help.

"We've got  have 2 men here and they've been great and they're saving our backs," Red Cross Volunteer Jeff Rohrer said.

"I actually live in Flint so it's extra special for me and we're doing a good thing and trying to help as much as we can," Sgt. Robert Bretz said.

Besides the National Guard coming to assist Flint, a pediatric public health initiative by Michigan State University and Hurley Children's Hospital to assess lead exposure in children.

"It impacts many parts of a child's life. Their behavior, their education,t heir health status and most importantly, we're looking to see what we can do to intervene now," Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha said.

The research and treatment of lead exposure has already started for children as well as adults. However, many in Flint are cautiously optimistic that the water situation will get better.

"It's getting better as far as the health but this is just a short term thing. How about long term? How long is this going to go on? I don't know. I'm just trying to survive," Huey Gilbert said.