Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health recently announced the launch of Lead-Free Families, a 10-year community health improvement initiative aimed at eliminating childhood lead poisoning in Lancaster County.

Lead-Free Families aims to identify and remediate lead hazards in at least 2,800 Lancaster County homes over the next decade. The $50 million investment is being initially funded and led by Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

Lead poisoning can result in serious and lifelong health and developmental issues, including lower IQ, slowed growth, learning problems, behavioral issues, hyperactivity, and hearing and speech development problems. It can also cause pregnancy problems, including low birth weight; premature birth; damage to the baby's brain, kidneys, and nervous system; and even miscarriage. There is no cure for lead poisoning, and its effects are irreversible.

Increased blood lead screening of children and pregnant women is one of the core components of Lead-Free Families. The program's other services, which are offered across Lancaster County, include lead screening, testing homes for lead, in-home lead remediation, home visits with health care and social service support, community education and outreach, and public policy advocacy and education

For more information on Lead-Free Families or to apply for the program, visit http://www.LeadFreeFamilies.org or call 717-544-LEAD (5323).