Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning

I hope everyone is on the distribution list for the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning (an incredible organization operating within Monroe County). If you’re not already signed up, go to theleadcoalition.org and scroll down to the footer for NEWSLETTER SIGNUP.

Anyway, in their most recent newsletter the Coalition did an exemplary job of contextualizing data:

“Monroe County recently released the number of children with Elevated Blood Lead Levels in 2023 (read the press release here). Unfortunately, 241 children had elevated blood lead levels which is an increase of 100 individuals from 2022. There may be several explanations for the increase, including a continued rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic during which many families skipped routine doctor’s visits and a 6% increase in overall testing. 2023’s numbers will not discourage the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning and our partners. We will continue our efforts to eliminate lead poisoning, because every kid in Monroe County deserves to be safe from lead!” ~ Newsletter 11/15/2024

The Coalition reported the increase in children with elevated blood levels, sharing necessary information without fear and with a firm grasp on possible explanations. This newsletter is a brilliant example of embracing facts and communicating data in context (one of ACT’s 4 Cs!).

May we all approach data with an eye toward improvement, without fear, and with an understanding of the bigger picture!

UPDATE: Esteemed colleague and fellow RACF Initiative Director Elizabeth McDade sent along a study that highlights the extraordinary work of the Coalition. The research highlights incredible achievements in Monroe County, “Notably, this study found that in Monroe County, the absolute rate of decline in childhood lead poisoning…occurred much faster than those in the U.S. and New York State” (Kennedy et al., 2014, p.2620)

Source: Kennedy, B. S., Doniger, A. S., Painting, S., Houston, L., Slaunwhite, M., Mirabella, F., ... & Stich, E. (2014). Declines in elevated blood lead levels among children, 1997− 2011. American journal of preventive medicine, 46(3), 259-264.