KDHE Receives Nearly $3 Million Lead Hazard Control Grant for Wyandotte County

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has been awarded a nearly $3 million ($2,999,955) Lead Hazard Control grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of the grant is to establish a Lead Hazard Control Program in Kansas City, Kansas (KCK).

Governor Kathleen Sebelius said, “This is a substantial amount of money that will help children in Wyandotte County. Together we can work toward getting rid of lead poisoning in Kansas.”

“Childhood lead poisoning can be a devastating illness and remains one of the leading environmental health risks facing our state’s children – but it’s entirely preventable,” said Lesa Roberts, director of the KDHE Bureau of Consumer Health. “This grant will significantly help to reduce or eliminate potential sources of lead exposure in older homes in Wyandotte County.”

In May 2004, the program will begin providing lead abatement and testing services in 250 qualified housing units, assisting approximately 300 children from low-income families. Community educational program is also planned Funds will also be used to train lead abatement workers and supervisors. This represents approximately a third of the 900 children that the CDC estimates to have elevated blood lead levels in Kansas City, Kansas. Priority will be given to housing units with children who have elevated blood lead levels and low-income families in the target area. The current grant provides funding that will last until March 31, 2007.

“The children of Kansas are one of our most valuable resources. This level of funding will afford the program the opportunity to operate for three years, with the ability to have a positive effect on the health and well being of children in Wyandotte County who have the potential for lead exposure in their homes,” said Roderick L. Bremby, Secretary of Health and Environment.

The overall goals of the program will be to reduce lead hazards in homes built before 1978, to identify lead poisoned children, and to increase community outreach and education. Grant partners committing matching funds include the Unified Government of KCK/Wyandotte County Health Department; Unified Government of KCK/ Wyandotte County, Office of Community Development; KDHE, and El Centro, Inc., a non-profit group whose activities include development of affordable housing through rehabilitation and new construction.

AdVantage Associates, a Kansas City public relations firm, will provide in kind assistance with publicity and a community awareness program aimed at promoting the program throughout Wyandotte County.

For more information, please contact the Kansas Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program toll free at 1-866-UnleadedKS (1-866-865-3233, ext.357).

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