On October 10 and 11, 2008, the Healthy Homes for Healthy Kids Campaign brought a unique exhibit to Bushnell Park in Hartford, CT. The Healthy Homes house was one of many exhibits related to children's health displayed in conjunction with the popular annual Hartford Marathon.

The Healthy Homes house - an actual house with a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom area - provided health hazard prevention tips. Informational material regarding mold, mildew, roach infestation and lead-based paint was distributed.

On day one, the house attracted over 500 elementary school children. The day's events also included a one-mile run. On day two, over 5,000 participated in the Marathon. Face painting and touring the Healthy Homes house proved popular.

Mom holding her daughter being tested for elevated blood level

Elementary children from the Greater Hartford area waiting to start the race in front of the Healthy Homes house

On-site testing for lead-based paint elevated blood levels was provided by the City of Hartford's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. Other participating agencies included the State of Connecticut Lead Action for Medicaid Primary Prevention, New Haven Department of Health Lead Hazard Control Program and the Regional Lead Treatment Center in Hartford.

HUD's Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (OHHLHC) collaborates with federal, state and local agencies to promote events related to children's health. The events are part of a comprehensive strategy to eliminate lead poisoning in children by 2010.

During the past 2 years, Campaign events were held in 14 cities throughout the nation. More than 10,000 individuals were reached and 284 community residents received training on housing-related environmental health and safety hazards. Future events are scheduled in eleven cities during the coming year.

Children participating in the face painting activities

Event participants

Content Archived: March 21, 2011