New Multi-Agency Effort Announced For Healthy Homes and Lead Prevention in Cortland County

A new countywide effort is underway to tackle childhood lead exposure and housing-related health risks in Cortland County. The effort was announced Friday afternoon by Sara Watrous, Project Director for the Rural Health Institute of New York (RHI).

The Cortland County Health Department (CCHD), Cortland County Community Action Program (CAPCO), and RHI have launched a coordinated Healthy Homes and Lead Prevention Initiative aimed at reducing environmental hazards in homes across the county.

The initiative combines two major funding sources: a newly awarded federal HUD Healthy Homes Production Grant to CCHD and continued support from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to RHI. Together, the funding supports both direct home remediation and long-term prevention strategies.

Cortland County faces some of the highest housing-related health risks in New York State. Local data show elevated blood lead levels among children at rates significantly above the state average. Radon exposure also remains a concern, with many homes testing above recommended action levels. Much of the county’s housing stock was built before 1978, increasing the likelihood of lead paint hazards. The new initiative builds on CCHD’s existing work through the New York State Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and the Healthy Neighborhood Program.

Through the HUD Healthy Homes Production Grant, partners plan to assess and remediate approximately 40 homes located in designated target census tracts. Eligible households will receive lead and radon testing, comprehensive Healthy Homes assessments, and hazard remediation, including lead interim controls and radon mitigation as needed. The program prioritizes households with young children and other risk factors.

CAPCO will oversee contractor coordination and rehabilitation work and has hired a full-time Program Manager to manage day-to-day operations. RHI has also hired a full-time Project Director to lead outreach, community engagement, and prevention strategies supported by both funding streams.

In 2025, RHI received a second round of funding from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to expand upstream prevention efforts. Building on its role as backbone organization for the Cortland County Literacy Coalition, RHI will work with trusted community partners to ensure families receive accessible, practical information about lead prevention and healthy homes.

Key activities include expanding the Literacy Coalition to include a Lead Prevention and Healthy Homes Task Force; launching a countywide health communications campaign; distributing lead prevention resource bags with at-home testing kits and cleaning supplies; and enhancing a publicly accessible housing age and lead risk database tool.

Currently, fewer than 70% of local children are screened for lead by age three, with disparities affecting low-income and rural families. Leaders say the initiative aims to improve screening rates and reduce inequities through coordinated outreach.

Officials describe the effort as a cross-sector partnership focused on prevention, education, and direct remediation to ensure safer, healthier homes for families.

The official program launch will be announced in the coming weeks, when residents will be able to check eligibility and apply.

For more information on lead prevention, visit: https://www.hellocortland.fun/lead