FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 28, 2007

City receives federal grant for lead hazard reduction

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department will receive a $394,700 demonstration grant for lead hazard reduction from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development to be paid out over a three-year period. The grant, which is scheduled to begin Oct. 1, will help eliminate lead hazards in homes of local low-income families with children.

According to Amy Roberts, R.N., program manager of the department’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, the grant will help further ongoing lead reduction efforts. “This grant will allow the Health Department to continue to provide people with the resources to repair areas of their homes that may contain lead paint, such as windows, porches and trim.”

Lead poisoning in children can result in serious brain damage and death, as well as learning disabilities and other serious health conditions, including an increased probability of future violent and other criminal behavior. Although lead-based paints were banned by 1978, lead poisoning in children in the Kansas City area is still a significant public health concern because nearly 80 percent of area homes were built before 1978.

Health Department officials recommend all children under 6 years old receive a yearly lead test. Testing is performed at the Health Department, 2400 Troost Ave. Appointments can be made by calling (816) 513-6048. 

Media inquiries about this issue should be directed to Connie Farakhan, Health Department, (816) 840-2548 (pager).