Decreased lead poisoning rates in investment areas point to hopeful improvement
July 17, 2024 – The Central New York Community Foundation announced today that it will be investing an additional $1 million toward childhood lead poisoning prevention through its LeadSafeCNY initiative.
Since the Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY grantmaking launched in 2018, nearly 1,750 windows and 165 doors have been replaced and more than 265 safe and affordable rental units have been either newly constructed or renovated. More than 280 individuals have been trained on proper lead paint removal and thousands of people have been informed about the risks of lead poisoning. In addition, 44 homebuyer loans for new, lead-free homes were guaranteed through a program-related investment with HomeHeadQuarters.
The Community Foundation established its LeadSafeCNY initiative in 2018, committing to invest at least $2 million to fund a variety of approaches to address the region’s high childhood lead poisoning rates. The foundation surpassed that amount, having invested $2.6 million as of June 2024. The new $1 million commitment will be in addition to that. Click on the following link to view LeadSafeCNY Impact.
“Lead poisoning is entirely preventable,” said Melanie Littlejohn, Community Foundation president & CEO. “The effects lead has on the mind and body undermines our efforts to increase literacy rates, encourage high school completion and mentor our young people into successful careers. Our dedication to eradicating this injustice must continue.”
According to the Onondaga County Health Department, 9 percent of Syracuse children tested in 2023 were shown to have elevated blood lead levels. This is signaling a downward trend, as 10.4 percent had elevated levels in 2018 when LeadSafeCNY was initially launched.
Over the past six years, Community Foundation funding has largely been focused on Syracuse city census tracts where lead poisoning rates are higher and residents report poor housing conditions. Census Tract 54, which is located in the Brighton neighborhood of Syracuse’s Southside, was one of the organization’s first target areas. In 2008, 26 percent of children living in that tract were testing with elevated lead levels in their blood. In 2023, that number dropped to 11 percent, indicating significant improvement.
In addition to grant funding, the Community Foundation has led the charge in forming collaborations between entities and individuals working toward the same goal. The LeadSafeCNY Coalition, a collaboration of stakeholders from healthcare, housing, education, philanthropy and government sectors as well as affected residents, was formed in September, 2022. Recently, the coalition hired its first director – LaToya Jones. Subcommittees meet regularly to maintain dialogue and identify solutions on topics such as increasing community knowledge, testing and workforce development.
“The energy of passionate and knowledgeable community organizations, public officials and residents around the issue of lead poisoning is what is making a true difference in Syracuse,” said Darrell Buckingham, program officer at the Community Foundation. “We are optimistic that with the help of this collective effort, we can put an end to lead poisoning in Syracuse.”
The EPA reports that chipping lead paint is the leading source of lead poisoning in the United States. Due to friction points from frequent opening and closing, doors and windows are the primary sources of paint chips and dust particles that contain lead. Elevated blood lead levels in young children have been found to cause reduced brain function, impacting the skills needed for academic success, physical activity and social interaction. This can lead to a higher likelihood of ADHD diagnosis, absenteeism, criminal behavior, violence and suicide.
Those interested in learning more about LeadSafeCNY or viewing local lead data can visit leadsafecny.org.
