Lansing, Michigan – To support initiatives meant to lower lead hazards in homes across the state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has set aside about $7 million in community grants. Targeting qualified homes with at least one Medicaid-enrolled resident, this program aims to provide safer living conditions and guard some of Michigan’s most vulnerable populations against lead exposure.
“Michigan is committed to protecting families from lead exposure by working with communities across the state to reduce or eliminate all sources of lead in the home,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Providing Medicaid funding to these communities to address lead hazards helps protect some of our most vulnerable residents.”
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Made possible by Michigan’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, the money marks the most recent phase in an ongoing fight against lead pollution. Since 2017, the initiative has been active giving cities, counties, and regional organizations vital tools to spot and remove lead dangers in homes. Seven grantees received this year’s awards, with an eye toward certain areas needing intervention:
- City of Battle Creek $1.5 million for work in Calhoun County
- Community Action Agency $1.5 million to cover Lenawee and Hillsdale counties
- City of Detroit $1.3 million for initiatives within Detroit
- City of Grand Rapids $700,000 for efforts in Grand Rapids
- Human Development Commission $750,000 for Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, Lapeer, and Bay counties
- Public Health, Delta and Menominee Counties $700,000 for all Upper Peninsula counties
- City of Muskegon $1.2 million for projects in Muskegon County
Each grantee will work on their respective projects through September 30, 2025.
These grants support a wide range of programs meant to fully address the sources of lead exposure. Lead inspections and risk assessments help to find risks; permanent removal or encapsulation of lead-based paint; soil remediation; replacement of outdated plumbing fixtures possibly posing a lead hazard. Minimal restoration will also be done to guarantee the lifetime of the abatement strategies.
Funding also covers temporary relocation of residents to protect their health in situations when lead abatement measures interfere with daily life. Moreover, grantees are assigned to develop local ability to properly control and handle lead hazards to ensure sustainable development in the fight against lead exposure.
The dangers of lead exposure, particularly for children, are well-documented. Lead poisoning can cause major developmental and health problems including long-term brain damage and cognitive difficulties. Targeting homes with Medicaid-enrolled individuals, the MDHHS seeks to safeguard areas more vulnerable in terms of socioeconomic issues.
Combining resources, knowledge, and community involvement, this program is a component of a greater statewide effort aiming at holistically addressing lead poisoning. Local governments and agencies receiving these grants will be very important in making sure this money turn into significant benefits for their citizens.
The MDHHS has established a clear objective: to provide families throughout Michigan a safer, lead-free environment with a deadline of late 2025 for these actions. The agency’s ongoing dedication to reduce lead exposure emphasizes the need of safeguarding public health through proactive, long-term community-oriented projects.
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Thanks to this major investment in lead hazard reduction services, Michigan citizens can expect safer homes and better futures as these projects develop.
For more information about lead services, visit Michigan.gov/mileadsafe.