Lead Poisoning Prevention Week: Revitalize Milwaukee and the City of Milwaukee Address Ongoing Lead Crisis

10/22/24

MILWAUKEE –Lead poisoning remains one of the most serious health threats facing young children in Milwaukee, especially for those living in homes built before 1978. Lead-based paint is the most common and dangerous source of exposure. Each year, roughly 1,000 Milwaukee children under the age of 6 receive a blood lead test result above 3.5 µg/dL, which is higher than 97% of kids across the country.

Revitalize Milwaukee’s Lead Hazard Reduction ARPA Program (LHRP) works to reduce lead-based paint hazards in homes to protect children and families in the City of Milwaukee. ARPA funding is available to control or reduce lead paint hazards in home and units occupied by low-income residents. Qualifying owner-occupied homes and tenant units can have lead paint abated at no cost. Revitalize Milwaukee works with homeowners, occupants, local health departments and community partners to offer abatement services for those affected by this ongoing crisis. Revitalize Milwaukee remains a mandatory community resource in the fight against lead poisoning.

This year, as part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Revitalize Milwaukee and the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) are working together to elevate awareness about the hazards of lead exposure and promoting new lead testing recommendations to better protect Milwaukee families.

“The Milwaukee Health Department is encouraged and excited about the continued partnership with Revitalize Milwaukee in abating additional homes in the city of Milwaukee.”– Michael Mannan, Lead Hazard Reduction Program, City of Milwaukee Health Department

 “The lead crisis in Milwaukee has underscored the importance of regulations, public awareness, and proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with lead-based paints, especially in older homes.”– Melanie Roach, CEO, Revitalize Milwaukee

Revitalize Milwaukee encourages individuals to take the recommended steps to get lead testing done in order to protect the health of themselves and their families. Please visit Milwaukee.gov/HEH for more information.

Revitalize Milwaukee’s mission is to stabilize neighborhoods by providing free critical home repairs to low-income seniors, veterans, and individuals living with a disability who are homeowners. Since 2000, RM has completed home repairs on nearly 4,000 homes with the help of over 34,000 hours of volunteer time and invested over 27.2 million dollars into the Greater Milwaukee-area housing. Join us in changing the lives of countless low-income seniors, veterans, and individuals living with a disability who are homeowners. For more information or to get involved, contact CEO Melanie Roach at 262-424-3469 or visit www.freehomerepairs.org.

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