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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
DECLARING OCTOBER 20-26, 2013 CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, lead poisoning is a preventable environmental and health problem for the children, families, and pregnant women in Cook County; and
WHEREAS, children under the age of 6 are most at risk for lead poisoning; and
WHEREAS, lead poisoning can cause permanent brain damage, shortened attention span, hyperactivity, and learning disabilities, and other developmental problems for children; and
WHEREAS, homes built before 1978 constitute nearly eighty percent of Cook County's housing stock and may be at risk of lead poisoning; and
WHEREAS, Illinois passed the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act in 1973 to set mandatory screening and reporting requirements; and
WHEREAS, we strive to have a coordinated system that fosters environmentally safe and healthy homes throughout Suburban Cook County , where capacity is built to maximize resources and is supported by a network of partners that advocates for policy change; and
WHEREAS, we observe National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week for healthy families and communities in Suburban Cook County (SCC) by working to prevent, reduce, and eliminate the threat of lead poisoning and other environmental hazards in and around the home; and
WHEREAS, during Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week state and local health agencies recognize the public health staff, nurses and environmental risk assessors who provide their expertise and services to families of children with elevated blood lead levels.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the President and Board of Commissioners of Cook County do hereby declare October 20-26, 2013 as Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention week in Cook County.end