Friday, May 9, 2025
5/9/2025
Belmont Cragin Community-Led Solutions to Reduce Lead Poisoning - The Belmont Cragin Community-Led Solutions to Reduce Lead Poisoning project aims to address the critical issue of lead poisoning among children under six years old in Chicago's Belmont Cragin community. Northwest Center (NWC), with its long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life in the neighborhood, will lead this project in collaboration with various partners and agencies. Belmont Cragin, a predominantly Latine neighborhood with a growing population of over 78,000 residents, faces significant challenges related to lead poisoning. The community has the second-highest lead poisoning rate among young children aged 1-5 in the Northwest Side region. NWC recognizes the urgency to educate the community to prevent further escalation of lead poisoning rates. To achieve this, NWC will execute a two-fold strategy: Activating the Community (Strategy A) and Educating the Community (Strategy C). Through Strategy A, NWC will leverage existing partnerships and coalitions, forged through the Healthy Chicago Equity Zone (HCEZ) and Trauma-Informed Learning Program (TILP) initiatives, to engage with community members and drive institutional changes aimed at reducing childhood lead exposure. Strategy C will focus on educating families with children under six years old on the risks of lead exposure and ways to mitigate them. NWC will conduct home assessments, workshops, and outreach efforts to increase awareness and knowledge. Participants will learn about tenants' rights to a healthy home, low-cost home remediation supplies, and how to advocate to landlords for hazard remediation. The project's success will be measured through several indicators, including increased community-based knowledge of reducing childhood lead exposure, the number of participating families, and post-surveys to assess changes in attitudes and housing conditions. Additionally, minor home improvements, such as painting and insulation, will be provided to families in need. NWC's culturally responsive approach, informed by its deep roots and relationships within the community, ensures the project's relevance and effectiveness. The collaboration with partners like the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Lurie Children's Hospital will further support data tracking and evaluation to measure the project's impact on health outcomes. By bridging awareness through multi-faceted outreach, educational campaigns, and partnerships, the Belmont Cragin Community-Led Solutions to Reduce Lead Poisoning project aims to protect the health and well-being of children in the community and pave the way for healthier homes and futures.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).