Syracuse, New York has one of the highest rates of childhood lead poisoning in the country. According to 2021 Onondaga County Health Department data, 10% of children in the city had elevated levels of lead in their blood.
And this issue disproportionately affects communities of color. Data from 2021 shows that 11.6% of Black children in Onondaga County had elevated blood lead levels compared to about 2% of white children.
The city’s aging housing stock combined with its history of segregation makes alleviating lead poisoning in children a complex issue. But there are community and elected leaders working towards solutions.
On this episode of Syracuse Speaks, we talk to some of those leaders and experts to find out what work has been done and what we still need to do to make a healthier environment for our children and families.
Joining us for this conversation:
- Oceanna Fair, Southside Branch leader for Families for Lead Freedom Now
- Dr. Travis Hobart, Medical Director of Central/Eastern NY Lead Poisoning Resource Center
- Keenan Lewis, City of Syracuse Lead Paint Program Coordinator
- Jessica Vinciguerra, City of Syracuse Lead Grant Program Administrator
