FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 2, 2020

                                                                                                            Candice Grose 

                                                                                                            Public Information Officer 

                                                                                                            Office:  901.222.2037

                                                                                                            Mobile: 901.481.3422

SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT RECEIVES $4.1 MILLION IN FUNDING TO ADDRESS LEAD 

HAZARDS IN HOUSING UNITS AND OTHER HOME HEALTH HAZARDS

Shelby County, TN – Shelby County Government was awarded $4.1 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant to address lead hazards in 198 housing units and other healthy home improvements in 150 housing units in Shelby County over the next three years. 

The initiative is led by the Memphis and Shelby County Department of Housing in partnership with the Shelby County Health Department and the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Shelby County Health Department will provide lead screening, testing, and education. HCD will provide a $600,000 match.

The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction grant aims to protect children and families by identifying and addressing lead-based paint and other home health hazards. Over the last 26 years, Shelby County’s Department of Housing has successfully assessed more than 2,000 units for lead-based paint hazards and reduced lead exposure risks to children and families in over 1,300 housing units. 

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris: “Even with the long tenure of the Shelby County lead hazard reduction program, the need in Shelby County is still high. This initiative supports our commitment to improve the quality and condition of housing for working families in Shelby County.” 

Memphis and Shelby County Director of Planning and Development John Zeanah: “Reducing lead hazards in homes throughout the city and county remains a significant priority for building healthy, sustainable communities. These funds allow us to continue our efforts to improve housing for the citizens of Shelby County.”

Shelby County Health Director Dr. Alisa Haushalter: “Lead-based paint poses a particular risk to pregnant women and young children. Exposure to lead can stunt a child’s growth, cause developmental delay, and impact a child’s behavior and eventual educational achievement. This grant funding will allow the Shelby County Health Department to expand its screening of children for lead exposure and its mitigation work with families, both of which have a real and positive long-term impact on Shelby County’s children.” 

(End of Release)