Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff visits Durham to announce funding for lead mitigation in schools and daycares

A $1.3 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency will be awarded to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to support continued lead testing in schools and daycare centers across the state.

The announcement took place at an event in Durham, attended by EPA Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams, and NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley.

"Every child deserves clean and lead-free drinking water," said Congresswoman Foushee. "This grant will allow North Carolina to continue its vital testing program and protect the health of our children."

Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, particularly for young children. The NCDHHS program utilizes the EPA's 3Ts for lead hazard mitigation: Training, Testing, and Taking Action. This involves educating childcare centers about lead risks, providing mitigation recommendations, and conducting follow-up testing to monitor progress.

"Ensuring the health and safety of our children is a top priority," said Secretary Kinsley. "This grant is crucial in helping us detect and eliminate potential lead exposure in our schools and childcare centers."

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates a historic $15 billion for identifying and replacing lead service lines, including $250 million for communities in North Carolina. The law prioritizes disadvantaged communities by mandating that nearly half of the allocated funds be provided as grants or forgivable loans. Lead exposure is a major concern in low-income communities and communities of color, and this funding will specifically target these areas.