During the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole meeting on June 26, 2025, significant discussions centered around public health concerns, particularly the rising cases of lead exposure among children and the broader implications of health disparities in the community.

A key point raised was the increase in reported lead exposure cases, attributed to a recent change in the criteria for what constitutes an elevated blood lead level. This adjustment has led to the identification of more children meeting the new standards, although it does not necessarily indicate a rise in actual exposure. The presentation highlighted that lead, a naturally occurring heavy metal, poses serious health risks, especially to young children, affecting their development.

Data presented showed that the majority of lead exposure cases occurred in young children, particularly those aged around 2.5 years. The statistics revealed that Asian residents had the highest proportion of cases, followed by Black or African American residents, with Hispanic or Latino children also represented. This data underscores the health disparities that exist within DeKalb County, where chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular issues, and external causes like homicide are impacting the youth.

The discussion also touched on the importance of addressing social determinants of health to achieve health equity. The speaker emphasized that collaboration and societal efforts are essential to overcome historical and contemporary injustices that contribute to health disparities. A proposed solution was the "health in all policies" approach, which recognizes that health outcomes are influenced by policies beyond the health sector. This approach has been successfully implemented in various regions, including California and Finland, and could guide future policy decisions in DeKalb County.

As the meeting concluded, the speaker urged commissioners to consider the health impacts of their decisions, particularly regarding new housing developments. The integration of health considerations into policy-making could not only address housing affordability but also improve the overall health of residents in DeKalb County. The discussions highlighted the need for ongoing attention to public health issues and the potential for policy changes to foster a healthier community.