HUD's Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are collaborating to provide topical information on healthy homes issues. A videoconference is scheduled for 2 PM to 4 PM (EST) on Thursday, March 27, which will feature presentations by content experts on asthma, mold and integrated pest management.

The videoconference will present an update on the Healthy Home Partnership, a national program sponsored by HUD and USDA that introduces low - income families to environmental safety and health hazards around their homes. Through video case studies viewers will learn about Healthy Homes programs in various settings nationwide. Broadcast materials may be obtained at http://www.uwex.edu/healthyhome/satvid.html. Participants will have opportunities to interact with speakers during question and answer sessions.

HUD launched the national Healthy Homes Initiative in 1999, in partnership with a number of other federal agencies, to address housing - related environmental health and safety hazards that harm millions of adults and children each year. With the assistance of a panel of nationally recognized public and private sector experts, HUD produced its Preliminary Plan for the Healthy Homes Initiative in April 1999. The report is found on the HUD website.

Many residential environmental health problems may be minimized, and injuries in the home prevented through education and low cost improvements. Information regarding the initiative may be found on the HUD website.

The broadcast may be viewed at HUD Offices throughout the country.