Representatives from the City of Jamestown, Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., Chautauqua County Legislature, Chautauqua County Board of Health, and the Chautauqua County Health Department joined together to proclaim National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
MAYVILLE, NY — Preventing lead poisoning takes a community effort. This week, Chautauqua County leaders and local organizations came together to recognize National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and highlight the work being done across the county to protect children and families from lead exposure.
During the October meeting of the Chautauqua County Legislature, District 18 Legislator and Human Services Committee Chair Marty Proctor presented a proclamation recognizing National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 25–31, followed by the City of Jamestown Department of Development Director, Crystal Surdyk, who read a proclamation on behalf of City of Jamestown Mayor Ecklund declaring Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in Jamestown. Both proclamations were supported by a number of community partners who joined together demonstrating a shared commitment to preventing lead exposure in Chautauqua County.
“Preventing lead poisoning takes all of us,” said Lacey Wilson, Chautauqua County Public Health Director. “There is no single organization that can do this work alone. When health departments, municipalities, housing organizations and community partners work together, we can reach more families, address lead hazards and help protect children from exposure.”
Lead-based paint in older homes remains the number one source of lead exposure in Chautauqua County. Children can be exposed when lead-based paint deteriorates or when painted surfaces are disturbed during repairs, renovations or other work.
Because Chautauqua County has a large number of older homes, preventing lead exposure requires continued education, testing, housing inspections and resources for property owners and families.
The Health Department is also taking steps to prevent lead exposure before it happens. Earlier this year, the department launched the New York State Lead Rental Registry program in Jamestown’s 14701 ZIP code, focusing on identifying lead hazards in qualifying rental properties so they can be addressed before children are exposed.
But the work doesn’t stop there. Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs are available county-wide and agencies are working together to increase awareness and access to resources.
“Our communities have an important role to play in making sure families have the information and resources they need to prevent lead exposure,” said County Executive Paul M. “PJ” Wendel Jr. “Working together, we can help make Chautauqua County homes safer and protect the health of our children.”
Local organizations and municipalities contribute to lead poisoning prevention in different ways, from education and outreach to home inspections, housing improvements, lead testing and connecting families with available resources.
“Protecting the health and well-being of our children is one of the most important investments we can make in our community,” said City of Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz. “Lead poisoning is preventable, and through strong partnerships with CHRIC, the Chautauqua County Health Department, and local stakeholders, we are helping families access the information and resources they need to make their homes safer. Our collective efforts today will help ensure a healthier and brighter future for the next generation across Chautauqua County.”
The Chautauqua County Health Department recognized the following Chautauqua County partners publicly for their efforts this year at the annual Regional Lead Education Conference held on October 14, 2026 at Holiday Valley Resort and Conference Center.
- Sanfilippo Solutions Inc. received the Rising Star Award
- Dr. Paul Robbins and The Chautauqua Center received the Excellence Award, and
- The City of Jamestown Department of Development received the Core Achievement Award
City of Jamestown Department of Development and Dr. Paul Robbins accepted awards at the Regional Lead Conference held earlier this month.
A Shared Commitment to Prevention
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week provides an opportunity to bring attention to the dangers of lead exposure and the steps families and communities can take to prevent it.
The Chautauqua County Health Department encourages residents to Step Up and Step Out by learning about lead hazards, having children tested, finding out whether their homes may contain lead-based paint and taking action to address hazards when they are identified.
“Lead poisoning is preventable,” Wilson said. “When we work together and take action early, we can make a real difference in the health and future of children in Chautauqua County.”
Residents can learn more about lead poisoning prevention, home inspections, testing and available resources by visiting HealthyCHQ.com/Lead or calling the Chautauqua County Health Department at 716-661-8243.
About Chautauqua County Health Department - The Chautauqua County Health Department is the leading Public Health organization in Chautauqua County dedicated to the support of the community’s health. The Health Department takes innovative approaches to provide technical assistance to partner organizations, and offers various programs and services in order to help prevent disease, protect the public’s health and promote our community’s overall health and wellness. For more information visit www.HealthyCHQ.com.
