The Central New York Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY initiative recently received a $400,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to support the LeadSafeCNY Coalition’s outreach and community engagement over the next two years. The coalition is a collaboration of stakeholders from the healthcare, housing, education, philanthropy and government sectors, as well as affected residents, who are working to decrease lead poisoning rates in Central New York.
Funding will be used to support the coalition’s director position, held by LaToya Jones through United Way of Central New York, as well as expenses related to resident engagement and advocacy efforts. In addition, grant funding will be used to support one Social Care Navigator who will provide education and resources to local residents at risk of childhood lead poisoning.
“We are deeply grateful for the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation’s continued support of LeadSafeCNY,” said LaToya Jones, director of the LeadSafeCNY Coalition. “As someone who grew up in these communities, I understand firsthand the devastating impact lead poisoning can have on a child’s health and future. With this funding, we are able to expand our outreach, amplify our partnerships, provide essential resources, and continue working with families, healthcare providers, and community partners to create a safer, healthier environment for everyone. Together, we can reduce the harmful effects of lead exposure and ensure that our children have the opportunity to grow up healthy and succeed.”
Since the Community Foundation’s LeadSafeCNY grantmaking launched in 2018, nearly 1,800 windows and 165 doors have been replaced and more than 225 safe and affordable rental units have been either newly constructed or renovated. In addition, nearly 285 individuals have been trained on proper lead paint removal and thousands of people have been informed about the risks of lead poisoning.
The EPA reports that chipping lead paint is the leading source of lead poisoning in the United States. Due to friction points from frequent opening and closing, doors and windows are the primary sources of paint chips and dust particles that contain lead. Elevated blood lead levels in young children have been found to cause reduced brain function, impacting the skills needed for academic success, physical activity and social interaction. This can lead to a higher likelihood of ADHD diagnosis, absenteeism, criminal behavior, violence and suicide.
The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, which awards grants to meet the unmet healthcare needs of individuals, families and communities throughout New York State, chose to support LeadSafeCNY for its potential to significantly improve the health and safety of children in Syracuse. Over the past five years, the Cabrini Foundation has provided a total of $825,000 in support of LeadSafeCNY.
The LeadSafeCNY initiative funds a variety of approaches to address the region’s high childhood lead poisoning rates. According to the Onondaga County Health Department, 9.3 percent of Syracuse children tested in 2023 were shown to have elevated blood lead levels. The total amount invested in the community to date through LeadSafeCNY is $2.6 million.
Those interested in learning more about LeadSafeCNY or viewing local lead data can visit leadsafecny.org.
