Coalition Addresses Problem of Lead Poisoning in Kane County
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”
– Helen Keller
Like the squares on a quilt, various sectors of the Kane County community came together for Lead Poison Prevention Week, to contribute their unique expertise, skills and connections to assure that “Kane County Children Run Better Unleaded.” This unique multi-prong approach to health promotion led by the Kane County Healthy Places Coalition, is part of their comprehensive Healthy Homes Education Campaign, and engaged 
many departments and agencies throughout the county to help ensure education reaches many Kane residents:
- The Coalition, along with the October Newsletter of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, reached out to Kane County pediatricians and family practice physicians to encourage education and screening to all Kane kids.
- The Kane County Health Department proclaimed Oct. 25-31, 2015 as Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which was passed by the Kane County Board on Oct. 13, 2015.
- The Aurora and Elgin libraries feature lead prevention displays that include posters, examples of unsafe lead cookware, and bookmarks. The bookmarks and display attract patrons to learn about the lead hazards.
- The Coalition conducted an outreach survey to municipalities’ permit application departments to make sure renovators were receiving education and resources for safe lead removal in pre-1978 homes and buildings. The survey also measures compliance of lead safe laws and best practices.
- News articles were published in Kane County Connects, the Kane County Medical Society, Academy of Pediatrics, and Health Matters newsletters.
- The Coalition partnered with 14 home improvement stores that set up eye-catching lead awareness displays that highlighted their safe lead products while also educating their customers on lead prevention.
It takes an entire community to come together to create a great campaign such as Kane County Children Run Better Unleaded! For more information, visit the Kane County Healthy Places website www.kanehealthyplaces.com.
The mission of the Kane County Healthy Places Coalition is to engage all interested community members in assessing interest and issues for improving overall community health. The Coalition is formed by participants from diverse aspects of the community, including the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Kane County Health Department, municipal governments, hospitals, fire departments, community advocacy groups, non-profits, private corporations, and many others.
Defining the Problem of Lead Poisoning
Lead Poisoning in Kane County
According to the 2010 Illinois Lead Program and Healthy Homes Annual Surveillance Report, Kane County has the fourth highest county rate of childhood lead poisoning in the state. Nearly 1,500 children in Kane are known to have elevated blood lead levels.
The Kane County 2012-2016 Community Health Improvement Plan lists childhood lead poisoning as one of the six major threats to the residents of Kane County’s health and well-being.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs in Kane County
There are a number of programs available to assist Kane County families with lead-based paint hazards. Both homeowners and renters are eligible, but must meet certain income requirements (i.e. household income for a family of four cannot exceed $60,650). Work is based on the results of a risk assessment and is performed by lead-licensed contractors.
The Kane County Health Department has a Childhood Lead Prevention Program to report, track, and refer children with high blood levels for treatment. The program also provides education to individuals and the community, to help raise awareness of the causes of childhood lead poisoning.
For information about the Kane County Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program Click Here.
SOURCE: Kane County Health Department website
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