In a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical initiatives aimed at combating lead poisoning in Toledo, highlighting the establishment of a dedicated resource center and ongoing outreach efforts.

The Toledo Lucas County Health Department is set to enter agreements for marketing and communications related to lead safety, with funding allocated to support staffing costs associated with the lead ordinance. Officials emphasized the importance of community outreach and education, particularly in light of elevated lead levels detected in the city.

A significant proposal was made for the expenditure of $250,000 from the 2024 budget to establish a Lead Resource Center. This center, advocated by the Toledo Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition, will serve as a hub for residents seeking grants to remediate lead hazards in their homes. It will also provide educational resources, including instructional videos on home cleaning and lead remediation, and training for contractors to become lead certified.

Deborah Riley Jackson, a senior housing investigator with the Fair Housing Center, addressed the council, underscoring the urgency of the lead poisoning crisis in the community. She noted that thousands of children are affected annually, with a disproportionate impact on communities of color. Jackson highlighted the historical context of lead paint use and the ongoing consequences of disinvestment in these neighborhoods.

The proposed resource center aims to facilitate outreach, education, and professional training, with a focus on screening children for lead exposure. The council is expected to vote on the ordinance to move these initiatives forward, with the Fair Housing Center serving as the fiscal agent for the project.