John T. Gorman Foundation President & CEO Nicole Witherbee wrote an op-ed for the Portland Press Herald about how state and local efforts have led to a drop in child lead poisoning over the last 10 years — especially in Lewiston, where the Foundation has focused efforts to make the Tree Streets Neighborhood a place where all residents can thrive.
“These achievements were not happenstance. Reducing the prevalence of lead poisoning in a state with some of the country’s oldest housing stock has taken the coordinated efforts of many, including federal and state officials, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, building owners, medical providers and parents,” she wrote. “Through our own involvement, we at the John T. Gorman Foundation were fortunate to witness these collective efforts firsthand. …”
“A 2% lead poisoning rate is better than 4% but still too high; and if 45% of 2-year-olds are being tested, 55% are not. While not every community will need to take on the extraordinary efforts that Lewiston has, a collective approach is needed,” she continued. “There are things we can all do to move the needle further.”
To read the full piece, visit the Press Herald.
