![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090514233932im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
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.
Wilmington, Delaware - Reduce Childhood Lead Poisoning
EPA has selected the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services in Dover, Delaware, for a Targeted Lead Grant.
The Department plans to use the grant money to screen the homes of pregnant women and families of children aged 0-3 years in target zip code areas for elevated lead levels as well as increase awareness of the lead disclosure rule to certain landlords.
Delaware has universal blood screening requirements, but not all physicians are familiar with Delaware's blood lead screening requirements. EPA's grant funds are earmarked to change that by providing awareness that will:
- Provide education to physicians that care for both children and pregnant mothers in targeted areas on the importance of screening for lead poisoning.
- Provide training to certain landlords on the safe reduction or eradication of lead hazards, as well as distribute a guide identifying available resources to make their housing units lead-safe or lead-free.
The grant will fund outreach that uses specific venues, such as childcare providers and landlords, with the potential to reach high-risk populations.
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.