Influencing Public Health Policy In Response to Lead Poisoning Prevention and Exposure in the District of Columbia

The remaining major source of lead poisoning lies in older housing stock, with the greatest risk coming from housing built before 1978. Available data on the prevalence of lead exposure in children under age 6 in the District shows a substantial increase from 26.6% to 33.3% during a year period of 2003 to 2004. In order to effectively deal with the lead problem in the District, the presenters formed the Lead Elimination Task Force. It is composed of several community organizations, academics, researchers, health professionals, federal agencies and city agencies. The goal is to facilitate and coordinate the elimination of lead poisoning as a health risk in the District by engaging in interagency and public/private cooperation. Among the goals achieved were the enhancement of a primary prevention program aimed at the most-afflicted neighborhoods, pending legislation that would change numerous regulations related to the problem and the reorganization of some city services. Presenters will use D.C. as a model to illustrate how the membership composition, strategic focus and methodology of a public health task force can lead to significant change in city public health policy. Additionally we will show how primary prevention efforts can be a useful tool for public health organizations in becoming a direct part of the solution and securing a seat at the municipal public policy table.