Rhode Island Community Partners Recognize National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

HUD's Providence Field Office Director, Nancy Smith Greer speaks at a lead poisoning prevention week event in Cranston, Rhode Island.

In an effort to reduce childhood exposure to lead and raise awareness about the threat of lead poisoning, HUD's Providence Field Office Director joined U.S. Senator Jack Reed along with Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP), the Childhood Lead Action Project, and Rhode Island Housing to recognize National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week at an event October 25 at a childcare center in Cranston.

During the event, health care providers, parents, and community leaders discussed the impact of lead exposure on children, steps to reduce the risk of lead poisoning, and new federal funding to help reduce lead exposure across Rhode Island.

Last year, despite the fact that nearly 20 percent fewer children were tested for lead exposure during the height of the pandemic, the number of children poisoned by lead for the first time rose 22 percent -- from 388 to 472 -- according to data from the Rhode Island Department of Health. The communities with the highest rates of children with lead poisoning are: Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket.

"At the federal level, I've long worked to increase investments in programs designed to address lead poisoning prevention in our communities," said Senator Reed. "These federal programs help remediate lead-based paint hazards, educate families, and protect our most at-risk children. These programs are not only the right thing to do - they also save money in the long term and create a safer environment. Every child deserves a safe and healthy home. And we must continue to work hard to make that a reality."

"HUD is proud of the partnership efforts taking place to make Rhode Island homes lead-safe utilizing HUD's Lead Hazard Control Grant program," said Nancy Smith Greer, HUD's Providence Field Office Director. "I especially want to thank Senator Reed for his leadership and commitment to making homes safe for children. We would not be here today without his support and for his role in helping to create the program in 2002."

"Preventing lead poisoning requires partnerships between health care providers, state government and community based organizations committed to raising awareness and working with families to access the resources needed to address lead hazards," said James Comer, Deputy Executive Director, RI Housing.

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