Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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October 22, 2023
WHEREAS, October 22-28, 2023, is recognized as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW), representing a call to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and tribal, state, and local governments to reduce childhood exposure to lead by increasing lead poisoning prevention awareness; and,
WHEREAS, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week brings together the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to raise awareness about lead exposure and lead poisoning by providing resources for the public to use to encourage preventive actions during NLPPW and beyond; and,
WHEREAS, NLPPW highlights the many ways parents, caregivers, and communities can reduce children's exposure to lead and prevent its harmful health effects; and,
WHEREAS, exposure to lead hazards leads to serious lifetime health problems for kids. Lead attacks the brain and central nervous system (especially in children under six) and can result in developmental and growth delays, hearing and speech problems, difficulty learning and paying attention, serious illness, and even death; and,
WHEREAS, lead poisoning is preventable and Michiganders deserve education and resources aimed at addressing and preventing lead poisoning for all; and,
WHEREAS, Get the Lead Out Detroit Coalition is committed to protecting Detroit children from being poisoned by lead hazards and believes that we must all work together to help families get the facts about the dangers of exposure to lead hazards, protect children by encouraging testing for elevated blood lead levels, and provide information about resources to address lead hazards in the home; and,
WHEREAS, The Coalition is committed to reducing lead hazards by using a dual lens of health and housing to develop collective strategies that support the improved health of children; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Michigan has displayed leadership in eliminating this health hazard by working with local governments and organizations to reduce contamination, replace pipes, and invest in water infrastructure including legislation in October 2023 to require the installation of water filters in childcare centers and schools to prevent lead contamination;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 22-28, 2023, Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in Michigan.