TOLEDO, Ohio — A central Toledo neighborhood is expected to benefit from a $600,000 grant to combat lead poisoning, something afflicting many residents of older homes, especially children.
U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, who represents Ohio's 9th District, announced the grant alongside the Junction Coalition during a press conference Monday. The Junction Coalition is a grassroots organization that seeks to improve the quality of life for residents and business owners in the Junction community and is the organization receiving the grant money. The neighborhood is bounded on the west at Brown Avenue, on the east at Division Street, on the north at Dorr Street and on the south at Klondike Street, according to the organization's website.
The grant, which was awarded by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) through its Child Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, is anticipated to reduce lead exposure and lead poisoning by increasing awareness and making infrastructural changes, including replacing toxic lead water service lines.
According to a press release regarding the announcement, the grant will be used over three years to collaborate with partners from various sectors, expand access to resources and services for families and children, augment knowledge and skills related to lead poisoning prevention and raise awareness about the risks associated with lead exposure, including disparities in blood lead levels as influenced by factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and geography.
"We are honored to be among the distinguished recipients of this grant, a testament to our unwavering commitment to the welfare of Toledo's residents,” Alicia Smith, executive director of The Junction Coalition said. “This funding will empower The Junction Coalition to make a lasting impact in Toledo, supporting those most vulnerable to the dangers of lead poisoning.”
The Junction Coalition said they will work with partner organizations such as Nationwide Children's Hospital - Toledo, Neighborhood Health Association, Toledo Fair Housing Center and others to combat lead poisoning in Toledo. According to the press release, Toledo's historic homes put children at special risk of lead poisoning by way of lead paint exposure: many of Toledo's homes were built prior to 1978, after which lead in consumer paint was banned.
"In Toledo, [this grant] will have profound benefits to public health as it reaches among our most historic neighborhoods," Kaptur said in a statement.
The Junction Coalition was one of only 11 organizations nationwide and the only organization in Ohio to receive this grant.
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