Lead-Free MV Coalition Observes National Healthy Homes Month

The Lead-Free Mohawk Valley (LFMV) Coalition is marking National Healthy Homes Month 2020 in June with an increasing focus on making more Utica homes safer and healthier. The launch of the Lead Safe Utica & Utica Healthy Homes Program will address lead paint contamination and other hazards in 180 housing units in the city, thanks to the City of Utica’s receipt of a $3.5 million federal HUD grant and a $194,700 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

“We’re excited to see the long-awaited federal assistance put to work in these homes,” said Dr. Mark Warfel, LFMV chair. “Our coalition’s work is ongoing, but we’re making progress that will ultimately reduce childhood lead poisoning and make housing in our community safer and healthier for people of all ages.”

To apply for assistance, eligible families living in the City of Utica can fill out the HomeOwnershipCenter’s Lead Safe Utica intake form at unhs.org/lead-safe-utica or call 315-724-4197.

Nationwide, millions of homes have moderate to severe physical housing problems, including dilapidated structures; leaks; pests; lead paint; and high radon gas levels. With people spending close to 90% of their time indoors lately, it is important to remember that these housing problems can contribute to a wide range of health issues, unintentional injuries, lead poisoning, and respiratory illnesses. More information is available in LFMV’s Coronavirus & Healthy Homes Fact Sheet at leadfreemv.org/factsheets.