(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency is one of 53 grantees selected to receive funding aimed at protecting more of Ohio’s families from the dangers of toxic lead. This funding comes from the new Lead Safe Ohio program, which is allocating a total of $84 million to support lead
mitigation and prevention projects in residential properties, childcare facilities, and congregate care facilities in 72 counties across the state.
“Every Ohioan deserves the right to live in a home free from the silent threat of toxic lead,” Governor DeWine said. “Behind every instance of lead exposure is a face, a family, and a future put at risk. This funding signifies a decisive step in our mission to protect those futures and create a healthier and safer Ohio for generations to come.”
“We want to create a safe environment for all children in Ohio, and lead poisoning can have lasting effects on the ability for our young people to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “By removing this health hazard from our communities, we’re helping ensure the future leaders of our state have the tools to live up to their fullest potential.”
Today’s award will support Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency in completing construction-related lead mitigation activities such as waterline replacement, window and door replacement, siding enclosure, soffit enclosure, porch component repair, lead cleaning efforts, and more.
”GMCAA is excited to be able to assist our residents to make their homes safe from lead exposure. We know that housing stock in our area includes many older homes that may contain lead based paint; homes in which children reside. Our goal is to eliminate the risk of lead exposure in as many homes as possible so that families can be safe”, stated Lora Rawson, GMCAA Executive Director.
The $546,000 awarded to Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency will use allocated as follows:
- $491,400 for owner-occupied homes
The program, first announced back in May, is administered by the Department of Development, in coordination with the Ohio Department of Health.
“We’ve all known the risks of lead exposure for decades and in Ohio, we’re turning awareness into action,” said Director Mihalik. “By working with our local partners to identify at-risk properties and facilitate these crucial repairs, we’re building safer neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for thousands of Ohioans.”
Lead poisoning is most commonly caused by lead-based paint, which produces chips and dust when deteriorating. While lead poisoning can affect individuals of all ages, children are at the greatest risk. Children’s bodies are more susceptible to the harmful effects of lead and are less able to detoxify their bodies of the harmful substance. Long-term exposure to lead can impact physical and mental health and ability to learn and earn an income.
Since taking office in 2019, Governor DeWine has been an unwavering leader in his work to address the
consequences of lead poisoning and increase lead abatement in Ohio homes. Working with the legislature, he has expanded early intervention services to include children with elevated blood lead levels. He also formed a Lead Advisory Committee to help spearhead the state’s efforts to remediate lead contamination and offered more than $44 million in grants to identify and eliminate lead paint in Ohio homes.
As part of the H2Ohio initiative, Ohio EPA has awarded nearly $8 million to remove and replace lead service lines and for lead line identification and mapping assistance. This total also includes $1.25 million in H2Ohio funding to support lead service line replacement projects at childcare facilities in Cincinnati and Cleveland.
Additional information on the Lead Safe Ohio Program can be found on the program webpage.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.
Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency is a non-profit organization, providing multiple services utilizing public and private resources to improve the overall quality of life for our community.
For program information, contact:
Mason Waldvogel
Mason.Waldvogel@Development.ohio.gov
For LSOP information, contact:
Roger Cox
rcox@galliameigscaa.org
(740) 444-4400 Ext 2201
