By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The West Central District Health Department has been awarded more than $1.12 million in federal and state funding to expand its Lead Hazard Reduction Program, bringing additional resources to help remove lead hazards from older homes across west-central Nebraska.
The department received a $1.12 million Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant, along with additional lead reduction funding from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The funding will allow the health department to expand services throughout Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Hooker, Arthur and Thomas counties by identifying and removing lead-based paint hazards in older homes while increasing the availability of lead-safe housing.
The investment will also strengthen the area's ability to complete lead abatement work by training local contractors. Josh Hodges of Hodges Construction, LLC recently completed an intensive week-long training program in North Platte, becoming the first certified lead-abatement contractor in the region. Health department officials said additional contractors are encouraged to seek certification and can contact the department for more information about the process.
The expanded Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program provides assistance to eligible homeowners, landlords and renters living in homes built before 1978. The program helps reduce or eliminate lead hazards in qualifying homes at no cost to eligible households. Priority will be given to homes where children younger than six years old or pregnant women live and that meet program income requirements.
Funding through the program will provide free or low-cost lead inspections and risk assessments for families with young children, lead hazard control work such as paint stabilization and replacement of contaminated building components, community outreach and education about lead safety, as well as lead cleaning kits, water testing and water filters.
"Every family deserves a safe and healthy home," said Camden Grasmick, Lead Hazard Reduction Program Manager. "This grant will help us make that a reality by removing dangerous lead hazards and ensuring our most vulnerable residents can thrive without the threat of lead poisoning."
According to the health department, lead exposure can have serious and lifelong health effects, particularly in young children. Those effects can include developmental delays, learning and behavioral challenges, decreased attention span, and hearing and speech problems.
Residents interested in applying for the program or learning more about lead poisoning prevention can contact Lead Hazard Reduction Program Coordinator Melissa Robinson at 308-221-6840 or visit www.wcdhd.org for additional information.
West Central District Health Department serves Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Hooker, Arthur and Thomas counties and says the expanded program is intended to help ensure more families have access to safe, healthy homes free from lead hazards.