PEORIA, Ill. – A new grant will help with children’s health in Peoria.
The Peoria County Health Department announced on Wednesday that the department has been awarded a grant for lead hazard control.
The $5.6 million grant is funded from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Monica Hendrickson, Administrator for the Peoria County Health Department, said there are several zip codes in the Peoria area with high levels of child lead poisoning.
“The targeted areas that we identified was the 61603, 61604, 61605, and 61606 zip codes,” Hendrickson said. “Where, we are looking at children that are already in disadvantaged neighborhoods and environments, and then on top of that having lead poisoning.”
Illinois requires children to be tested for lead as early as 12-months- old.
“When they identify as having a high lead level, a five or greater, they are referred back to the Health Department to do nursing assessments as well as environmental assessments,” Hendrickson said.
Exposure to lead paint can have harmful effects on children. Lead paint can be found in older homes.
Hendrickson said there are homes in the area built before 1978 where a child lives and not have lead exposure, because the house is well maintained.
“However, once we are seeing housing stock deteriorate because [there is] not proper maintenance or care, that’s when we start seeing the chipped paints. That’s the number one exposure for our children,” Hendrickson said.
Depending on the zip code, over half of the children test high for lead.
Hendrickson said the grant will help 380 homes over the next two years.
Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), said that the grant is a win.
“It’s important when we think about that population here in Peoria that needs this,” LaHood said. “This is a win for children, it’s a win for families, and it’s a win for our community.”
LaHood said the $5.6 million will go to good work.
