The Eck Institute for Global Health will host “A Blueprint for Action: How We Can End Lead Poisoning in 5 Years” at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 (Monday) at the Near Northwest Neighborhood Community Center. The event is free and open to the public.
The event will feature a discussion with Ruth Ann Norton, president and CEO of the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI). The organization uses housing as a platform for improved health, economic and social outcomes in more than 30 cities across the country.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have been conducting lead screening and analysis in an effort to help determine the extent of lead exposure in the South Bend community. Lead used in paint and gasoline has left a legacy of lead exposure. Lead exposure is highest for young children.
Norton has authored 35 pieces of healthy housing legislation and is considered the architect of a 98 percent reduction in childhood lead poisoning in Maryland. Her policy initiatives focus on advancing the role of Medicaid, energy efficiency, education and philanthropic sectors as investors in healthy housing. She has also served as a liaison for the Center for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Lead Poisoning Prevention.
The Eck Institute for Global Health recently received a monetary award from the GHHI to continue efforts researching lead exposure in South Bend.
The Near Northwest Neighborhood Community Center is located at 1013 Portage Ave. in South Bend.
Originally published by at news.nd.edu on November 10, 2017.