DCHD Launches Lead Poisoning Awareness Campaign
Released: February 18, 2025
DCHD Launches Lead Poisoning Awareness Campaign
The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) proudly announces the launch of "Lead-Free in 1-2-3", a comprehensive awareness campaign designed to reduce lead poisoning in Delaware County. The campaign’s theme "Is Lead Lurking in Your Home?" seeks to educate residents on the dangers of lead exposure, encourage testing, and promote prevention strategies. Lead poisoning remains a significant public health concern, particularly for young children and pregnant women. Children exposed to lead can suffer from serious health issues, including slowed brain development, lower IQ, and speech and hearing problems.
Today's campaign kick-off event was held at the Widener University’s Child Development Center in Chester, Pa., with a special children's book reading of Happy, Healthy, Lead-Free Me!”, by Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. The campaign takes a friendly yet informative approach, using engaging "Lead Monsters" to illustrate the risks while reassuring families that lead poisoning is preventable with the right precautions. Residents can access essential information about lead poisoning, prevention tips, data, and local testing resources at LeadFree123.org.
"Many families may not realize that lead hazards still exist, especially in older homes built before 1978," said Delaware County Health Department Director Lora Siegmann Werner. "Data from 2022 in Delaware County shows that 307 children out of 9,438 tested were found to have elevated blood lead levels. Our goal is for this campaign to help families, landlords, municipalities, health professionals, and other partners understand this is still a concern in Delaware County and there are steps we can take together to protect our children.”
Campaign components include:
- Community Partner Outreach: Engagement with local municipalities, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
- Digital and Printed Materials: posters, social media content, and informational videos.
- Public Awareness Efforts: Billboards, bus shelter posters, and social media promotions.
- Giveaways & Support Tools: Community informational events, Free HEPA filter vacuums, baby bibs, water bottles, and "Lead Monster" magnets to reinforce the campaign’s message.
"Widener University is proud to support the launch of this campaign by welcoming county officials to our Child Development Center," said Robin Dole, dean of the College of Health and Human Services. "Lead poisoning prevention is critically important for the health of our community's children. We are happy to partner with Delaware County in their efforts to raise awareness."
For more information on lead poisoning prevention efforts, visit LeadFree123.org or contact the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line (Enformacion en Español llama a…) at (484) 276 – 2100 or by email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.
Funding for this initiative is provided by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, totaling $188,819. This program may not reflect the policies of the Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. government. This program reflects Delaware County’s continued commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to grow up in a lead-free environment.
