Jacksonville organizations collect water to send to Jackson, Mississippi

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Sunday, September 25, I’m A Star Foundation Teen Influencers, Duval County Public Schools and JaxParks are hosting The Mississippi Water Drive to collect safe drinking water to send to Jackson, Mississippi. The event will take place from Noon to 4 p.m. at James Weldon Johnson Park.

In response to a direct request from Jackson Public Schools, the water will be sent to help pregnant women and children under six years of age.

Although Mississippi health officials lifted the boil-advisory and are no longer distributing free water, state officials are raising the alarm for the possibilty of lead in some of the pipes; describing it as dangerous to pregnant women and young children. Both are being advised to still use bottled water.

Experts are saying that children in Jackson who drink the tap water remain at a high risk of lead poisoning. Medical experts are warning that lead is a poison that can cause serious health problems including mental retardation and learning disabilities. Experts agree that there are no safe levels of lead. Even low levels can harm children; especially those under six.

First Coast residents are invited to drop off bottled water at 135 W Monroe St, Jacksonville, FL 32202.

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