Below is an overview of the many ways Onondaga County is tackling the lead issue in our community. Check back regularly for data updates and the latest developments.
2024 Year in Review
Contractor Training and Recruitment
Onondaga County organizes and funds EPA trainings for contractors, property managers, homeowners, and landlords. These trainings teach individuals how to use lead safe work practices in homes where lead-based paint may be disturbed. These trainings are a requirement for companies looking to become eligible for county lead program job opportunities.
Testing strategies focus on removing barriers to public health services. Mobile and on-site testing is available in neighborhood locations to ensure blood lead testing services are available where, when, and how people are most likely to engage. The use of point-of-care testing devices provides rapid, onsite results, resulting in timely identification and response to children with elevated blood lead levels.
During May and June of 2024, the Onondaga County Health Department partnered with The Syracuse City School District and Drakos Laboratory to provide lead testing at Pre-K programs in 5 schools, which resulted in 141 children being tested.
Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program
This program exists to reduce lead paint hazards in privately-owned, residential structures throughout Onondaga County. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards funds to Onondaga County every four years. Since 2020, 198 units have been remediated, and 50 additional units are in the pipeline to be remediated. The County has also assisted with the production of 144 units under the City’s grant with approximately 53 units more in the pipeline. Learn more here.
Onondaga County has partnered with Home HeadQuarters (HHQ) and the Central New York Community Foundation to sustain their existing “Windows and Doors Program”. Funds have been allocated to 24 rental units for window and door replacement.
Windows, Doors, and More
An expansion of the Windows and Doors program is in progress and will include full remediation in homes that the Onondaga County Health Department has identified a need based on affected children residing. Thirteen units have been referred as part of that program. More will be referred in the coming months.
Foster Care Lead Hazard Reduction Program
Onondaga county has set aside funding for properties where Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Lead Poisoning Prevention team have inspected and identified lead hazards that are prohibiting foster services from being provided. Onondaga County will follow similar protocol to that of the HUD grant to remediate the hazards, free of charge, for the residents. Currently, seven homes have been identified and are going through this pilot program with more in the pipeline.
Onondaga County Health Dept
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
John H. Mulroy Civic Center
421 Montgomery St., 9th Floor
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315.435.3271
Fax: 315.435.3720
Email: LeadFreeKids@ongov.net
Onondaga County Health Department is nationally accredited and meets rigorous public health standards necessary to best serve the needs of our community.
