Erie and Niagara County encompass a metropolitan center in Western New York State covering 2198 square miles with a population of 1,170,111.

According to 2000 U.S. Census data -

50% of the housing stock in Erie and Niagara County and 80% of the housing stock in these urban centers was built before 1950. The national average is less than 30%.

Childhood lead poisoning continues to be a significant health issue in this community. The Erie and Niagara County prevalence rate (percentage of all children tested for lead who have ever had a confirmed elevated blood lead level) is 6.84% and 2.61% respectively.

Compare this to the New York State Health Department published rate of 3.02% and the Center for Disease Control rate of 4.4%.

The 2000-2001 New York State Health Department statistics indicate that 5 of Erie and Niagara County urban center zip codes rank in the top 10 statewide for lead poisoning prevalence and 3 of these rank in the top 4 statewide.

Over 90% of Erie and Niagara County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) elevated blood lead level (EBLL) investigations occur within ten inner city zip codes of the urban center of the counties.

Low income, high minority populations and substandard pre1950 housing are only a few of the contributing factors that warrant attention in these neighborhoods. Limited available funding and training coupled with inadequate material resources for lead hazard control has many property owners in these at-risk neighborhoods attempting lead-hazard control on their own.

Only a small fraction of property owners have access to training and equipment that is necessary for safe and successful lead hazard control. Tenant based rental housing statistics offer an excellent example. Only 1000 of approximately 6000 landlords have completed the required HUD Lead-Based Paint Maintenance Training Program. None of these property owners currently owns a HEPA vacuum.

Lead Connections provides the link between the very organizations that can most effectively address lead hazard reduction in Western New York. Every effort will be made to establish effective relationships with other local Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (OHHLHC) grantees, including the Erie County Department of Health and the City of Buffalo, to address specific needs and avoid duplication of services.

Lead Connections will ultimately leverage significant community resources to enhance this region's ability to engage the support of the private sector for lead hazard control activities. Both reducing lead hazards in the community and reducing the risk of lead poisoning to children throughout Erie and Niagara County.

Lead Connections will empower the private sector providing homeowners, small multi-dwelling unit property owners and local contractors the opportunity to control lead hazards in a reasonable and effective manner.

Our initial goal is to provide our targeted members of the community with the means and methods for effective hazard control.

The Lead Connections component offers a mechanism by which a much greater segment of the population can obtain information that is tailored to their specific needs.

Lead Connections will be especially attractive to those who wish to maintain some anonymity regarding their inquiry and who, to this point, may have been reluctant to inquire about lead hazard control for fear of potential cost or liability.

The Safe Work Practices Training provides a focused opportunity for interested parties to obtain skills that are essential to effective lead hazard control.

The Materials & Assistance component will assist homeowners, property owners and contractors to obtain the means to begin effective lead hazard control. Distribution of paint and materials and access to specialized equipment, at no cost, will have the immediate effect of creating substantial lead safe housing on a widespread basis throughout Erie and Niagara counties.

The Community Connections component seeks to build a better understanding of lead hazard control and the effective use of lead safe work practices throughout the community.