Chris Ronayne | https://cuyahogacounty.gov/executive/about-us
Chris Ronayne | https://cuyahogacounty.gov/executive/about-us
Cuyahoga County has been awarded an $8.057 million grant from the Ohio Department of Development. The funding is part of the Lead Safe Ohio program, which seeks to mitigate and prevent lead hazards in residential properties, childcare facilities, and congregate care facilities. The funds have been allocated to several entities including the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, CHN Housing Partners, Enterprise Community Partners, and the City of Cleveland Heights.
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne stated that "Creating a safe, healthy Cuyahoga County is the top priority of my administration." He further highlighted the issue of lead exposure in low-income communities saying, "Childhood exposure to lead toxins is higher in our low-income communities, leading to health disparities and social disadvantages." Ronayne expressed optimism about the impact of the new funding on public health stating, "This funding will help us to move toward a goal of ensuring health equity for all Cuyahoga County residents."
According to a press release by Dr. Rod Harris, Health Commissioner of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, there is a critical link between lead exposure in children and adverse impacts on learning abilities and neurocognitive functions. Dr. Harris expressed enthusiasm about utilizing the newly secured funds to enhance efforts in making homes lead-safe for residents facing barriers in this endeavor.
The press release also detailed how the grant funds will be distributed across various entities to address lead hazards in Cuyahoga County. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health will receive $4.089 million for repairs to homes, childcare facilities, and congregate shelters in suburban communities such as East Cleveland. CHN Housing Partners will utilize $2 million for countywide home repairs with a focus on East Cleveland. Enterprise Community Partners will direct $1.375 million towards home repairs in Cleveland on behalf of the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition while The City of Cleveland Heights has been allocated $493,000 specifically for repairs to childcare facilities. In addition, Cuyahoga County will receive $100,000 to support staff administering the funding, collectively contributing to comprehensive lead remediation efforts across the region.
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