Media Contacts: Jennifer Ciaccia: (216) 250-5863; jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.us

State of Ohio Lead Safe Ohio program allocates $8 million in lead remediation funds

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH –  Cuyahoga County has secured a major grant to protect families from the dangers of toxic lead. The Ohio Department of Development has awarded the County $8.057 million for lead remediation. The money will go to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, CHN Housing Partners, Enterprise Community Partners, and the City of Cleveland Heights.

This funding comes from the new Lead Safe Ohio program, which is allocating a total of $84 million to support lead mitigation and prevention projects across the state. The program targets lead remediation efforts in residential properties, childcare facilities, and congregate care facilities.

“Creating a safe, healthy Cuyahoga County is the top priority of my administration,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Childhood exposure to lead toxins is higher in our low-income communities, leading to health disparities and social disadvantages. This funding will help us to move toward a goal of ensuring health equity for all Cuyahoga County residents.”

“Children exposed to lead are more likely to have trouble with learning, school performance, attention, and other neurocognitive problems,” said Dr. Rod Harris, Health Commissioner, Cuyahoga County Board of Health. “We are excited to leverage these new funds to make an even greater impact for residents who have barriers to making their homes lead-safe.”

Grant monies will be allocated as follows:

• Cuyahoga County Board of Health: $4.089 million for repairs to homes, childcare facilities, and congregate shelters in suburban communities, including East Cleveland
• CHN Housing Partners: $2 million for repairs to homes countywide, including East Cleveland
• Enterprise Community Partners: $1.375 million on behalf of the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition for repairs to homes in Cleveland
• City of Cleveland Heights: $493,000 for repairs to childcare facilities in Cleveland Heights
• Cuyahoga County: $100,000 for staff to administer the funding

This program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development, in coordination with the Ohio Department of Health.