DUNKIRK, NY — The Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) is proud to partner with organizations like the Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation (CHRIC) and the City of Dunkirk to expand lead poisoning prevention efforts and improve access to services for families in Northern Chautauqua County.
“Lead poisoning is 100% preventable, and partnerships like these are critical to helping us reach more families throughout the county,” said Lacey Wilson, Chautauqua County Public Health Director. “We are grateful for our collaboration with CHRIC and the City of Dunkirk as we continue working together to reduce lead exposure risks, educate residents, and ensure children have safe and healthy environments to grow and thrive.”
Chautauqua County Health Department Public Health Nurse conducting a child lead screening
As part of these collaborative efforts, residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming Dunkirk City School District Health and Wellness Fair on Thursday, May 14, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Dunkirk Intermediate School on Eagle Street, where free lead-related testing and educational resources will be available to the community.
During the event, CHRIC will offer free lead testing for household items, including vintage toys, imported ceramics, decorative bakeware, and repurposed painted items that may contain lead.
The Chautauqua County Health Department will also provide free lead testing for children age of six and under. The quick fingerstick test provides results within minutes and helps families determine whether children may currently be exposed to lead. Children should routinely be tested for lead at ages one and two through their pediatrician, and this event offers an additional opportunity for families to catch up on missed testing or check for exposure between routine screenings.
“This event provides an opportunity for families to take simple but important steps to protect their health,” said a CHRIC Executive Director Josh Freifeld. “By identifying sources of lead and testing children early, we can help prevent long-term harm and build a healthier community.”
Lead exposure remains a serious public health concern, particularly in older communities like Dunkirk, where many homes were built before 1978, when lead-based paint was banned for residential use. Lead exposure can cause lifelong learning difficulties, developmental delays, behavioral concerns, and other serious health effects in children.
The expanded outreach efforts in Dunkirk are supported in part through a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Lead Hazard Capacity Building Grant awarded to the City of Dunkirk. The grant supports local efforts to identify lead hazards, educate residents, and connect families with resources that reduce exposure risks in older homes. As part of this initiative, CHRIC will also be making 15-20 homes in the City of Dunkirk lead-safe. Through partnerships with organizations like CHRIC and the Chautauqua County Health Department, the City is helping strengthen lead poisoning prevention efforts and expand access to healthier housing resources throughout Northern Chautauqua County.
“Dunkirk’s older housing stock makes lead poisoning prevention an important priority for our community,” said Vince DeJoy, City of Dunkirk Director of Planning & Development. “Through the HUD Lead Hazard Capacity Building Grant and our partnerships with CHRIC and the Chautauqua County Health Department, we are expanding education, outreach, and access to resources that help families create safer, healthier homes for their children.”
In addition to community testing events, the Chautauqua County Health Department offers several options for in-home lead paint testing and education. Families living in homes where a child under the age of six spends at least six hours per week may qualify for a free home lead inspection and risk assessment program. During these visits, trained staff identify potential lead hazards and provide practical education on immediate steps families can take to reduce exposure risks inside the home.
“Simple prevention measures can make a significant difference,” Wilson added. “By identifying lead hazards early and helping families understand how to reduce exposure, we can prevent serious health effects before they occur.”
Community members are encouraged to attend the Health and Wellness Fair to learn more about lead safety, available resources, and ways to protect their families from exposure.
For more information about lead poisoning prevention programs and services available through the Chautauqua County Health Department, visit HealthyCHQ.com/Lead or call the Health Department at (716) 753-4481.
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.
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