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Programs D.C. Outreach & Ed.

Fast Facts

  • It is estimated that approximately 85% of all children with high blood lead levels are Medicaid-eligible. (CDC)
    For additional information and resources click here.
  • Approximately 310,000 children living in the United States have elevated levels of lead in their blood that are high enough to cause irreversible damage to their health. (CDC)
    For additional information and resources click here.
  • People with diabetes are at great risk of developing serious health complications over time, such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and stroke. (CDC)
    For additional information and resources click here    .
  • It is estimated that one in every five African-American children living in an older home has an elevated blood lead level. (CDC)
    For additional information and resources click here.
  • Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases among children in the United States. About 180,000 children under age 18 years – approximately one in every 400 – suffer from diabetes. (CDC)
    For additional information and resources click here.
  • Approximately eight million children in the United States suffer from asthma, a leading cause of pediatric hospitalizations and school absenteeism. (CDC)
    For additional information and resources click here.
D.C. Outreach & Education PDF Print E-mail

Since its inception, CHF has taken consistent and proactive measures to shape policy for Washington area children. CHF serves as a member of the Washington, DC Lead Safe Task Force organized by the National Nursing Centers Consortium’s DC program, Lead Safe DC, and focused on outreach and education to community leaders and elected officials about the dangers associated with lead hazards. Due to the continued efforts of the CHF and community, in December 2008, the DC City Council ushered in a new era in the District’s commitment to the health and welfare of its children with the passage of the Lead Hazard Prevention and Elimination Amendment Act of 2008. This dramatic, ground-breaking and far-reaching piece of legislation will radically improve the city’s response to children with elevated blood lead levels and take pragmatic steps towards prevention.

11/12/09: Testimony by Melanie Hudson before the Council of the District of Columbia: Lead Hazard Prevention and Elimination Amendment Act of 2009

12/18/08: Washington Times: D.C.'s Tougher Lead Poisoning Bill Hailed

10/01/08: Testimony by Melanie Hudson before the Council of the District of Columbia: Lead Hazard Prevention Elimination Act of 2008

In addition, CHF serves as a member of several committees, and coalitions focused on environmental health issues in Washington, DC, and plays a major role in advocating for children’s health in the city and educating community members on the importance of prevention.

CHF works with The Coalition for Environmentally Safe Communities to host a series of Community Healthy Homes Forums whereby community organizations work collectively with other agencies both public and private, to improve the environmental health and quality of life in the District of Columbia. Through a series of workshops and plenary sessions, children and families learn ways in which they can live healthier and more proactive lives, thwarting the continuation of preventable diseases that are prevalent in the community. Several notable speakers have participated in past forums, including Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. Topics include: lead safe work practices, DC legislation, asthma, green living, healthy homes, and pest management.

Each year, CHF works with the District of Columbia Department of the Environment and a series of other government agencies and community organizations to host a series of educational events in celebration of National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. In 2007, CHF hosted a lead poisoning awareness fair in collaboration with the Department of Health and Angie’s List, a web-based consumer network. The organizations and agencies involved worked to educate parents on common lead hazards, and community resources available to them.

09/27/07: CHF, DC Department of Health and Other Health Organizations Host a Lead Poisoning Awareness Fair

In 2008, CHF continued its participation in National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week by participating in several community events, including: a hardware store campaign to educate contractors and homeowners about the risks of lead hazards; a street fair where residents were given the opportunity to learn about a variety of health and housing issues and test their children for elevated levels of lead in their blood; and a symposium on lead, crime and healthy housing. The events were well-attended and provided CHF with the opportunity to continue its mission of working to educate the public on the importance of proactive and pragmatic ways to prevent childhood lead poisoning.

Click here to view the flyer from 2008 National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Click Here to View the Calendar from 2009 National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Due to the great accomplishments in 2008 and 2009, CHF will again be organizing and participating in National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in 2010. Click here to view the flyer for 2010 National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Click here to view the 2010 flyer for the October 30th Community Health Fair