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EPA Lead Program Grant Fact Sheet
EPA's Targeted Lead Grants
EPA's Targeted Lead Grant Program funds projects in areas with high incidences of children with elevated blood-lead levels in vulnerable populations. In 2007 the Agency awarded more than $5.2 million in grants under this ambitious program. These targeted grants are intended to address immediate needs of the communities in which they are awarded, and will also highlight lead poison prevention strategies that can be used in similar communities across the country.
EPA's lead program is playing a major role in meeting the federal goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning as a major public health concern by 2010, and the projects supported by these grant funds are an important part of this ongoing effort. According to the Centers for Disease Control in 1978 there were 13.5 million children in the US with elevated blood lead levels. By 2002, that number had dropped to 310,000.
Pittsboro, North Carolina - NC Rural Communities Assistance Project
EPA has selected the North Carolina Rural Communities Assistance Project in Pittsboro, North Carolina, for a Targeted Lead Grant.
North Carolina Rural Communities Assistance Project, Inc. plans to use the grant to provide lead poisoning prevention programs to rural low income residents, primarily in the Latino community.
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources data indicate that, on average, only 37% of the target population of children ages 1 to 2 years was screened for lead poisoning in the years 2002 though 2005. Of this population segment, 2.1% of the children were found to have confirmed elevated blood lead levels (EBLs). The statewide incidence of EBLs for children 1 to 2 years over the same time period averaged 1.5%.
The project will involve outreach to households by developing and distributing "photo novellas" (comic book format) in a culturally appropriate context. The project will expand an existing program in Chatham County to other rural North Carolina counties. It will also expand lead poison prevention efforts within Chatham County by launching a pilot "Promoters" program, involving "lay leaders"to train the trainers and enhance outreach.
For more information about EPA's Lead Program, visit www.epa.gov/lead or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.