E.P.A. Grant to Help Protect Children's Health in Washington, D.C.

PHILADELPHIA (November 7, 2011) - - A $100,000 grant from the E.P.A. will help protect children in Washington, D.C. from environmental health hazards such as lead, mold, pesticides and carbon monoxide.

EPA's grant to the National Nursing Centers will be used to help social service agencies reach more low-income pregnant women and low-income families in the District. The ultimate goal is to ensure that children are raised in hazard-free homes that promote their healthy development.

"EPA is committed to working with organizations like the National Nursing Centers Consortium to promote healthy environments where children live, learn and play. This grant will help the District's most vulnerable families keep their children healthy and safe from a wide range of environmental hazards," said E.P.A. Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin.

Since 2004, the nursing consortium has worked with in excess of 2,000 mothers in high-risk neighborhoods in the District of Columbia on lead poisoning prevention education. In addition to home visits, the consortium run education seminars at maternity wards, health fairs, and embassy events for new U.S. residents. They also helped establish the DC Lead Elimination Task Force, a coalition of health care providers, academics, government officials and housing policy experts committed to ending lead poisoning in the District.

The National Nursing Centers Consortium was one of 13 organizations selected from 263 applicants across the country to gain a grant from EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection.

Go to http://www.epa.gov/epahome/children.htm for additional information on Children's Health.

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