$4 Million Grant Helps Tucson Protect Kids Under 6 From Lead Risk

TUCSON – Kids younger than age 6 living in Tucson will receive more protection from residential lead-based paint hazards, courtesy of a recent $4 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant to the City of Tucson. The grant falls under the City’s Lead Hazard Control Program (LHCP) and Healthy Homes Program, protecting families from unhealthy home conditions including lead hazards.

According to a City of Tucson news release, the LHCP locates owner-occupied homes harboring lead hazards, particularly lead-based paint. LHCP, administered with City of Tucson’s partners the Southwest Fair Housing Council and the Sonoran Environmental Research Institute, specifically addresses the physiological effects of lead-based paint on kids younger than age 6. After a lead-containing home is identified, all kids younger than age 6 who regularly visit or live in those unsafe homes are sent for free blood testing at the El Rio Health Center. Families can also use their preferred clinics or doctors. Kids found to have elevated lead levels in their blood are then sent to area health providers to receive necessary treatment and follow-up.

The Healthy Homes Program also comes into the scenario, applying supplemental funding of $400,000 toward other non-lead hazard home repairs required to improve the home’s safety, health and sustainability.

The City of Tucson is accepting applications for assistance needed under these programs and other home repair programs. Applicants in need of application help or more information can call Beth Tidwell at 520-837-5014 or email her at Beth.Tidwell@tucsonaz.gov.