The presence of 200,000 lead service lines in Cook County, Illinois poses a serious public health threat, especially to young children who are highly vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure. Addressing this issue requires collaboration across more than 130 municipalities and overcoming the complexities of replacing outdated infrastructure. One key initiative is the Lead Care program, which prioritizes removing lead lines at childcare facilities. Caroline Pakenham of Elevate, alongside Cook County officials Dominic Tocci and Drew Williams-Clark, provides insights into the program’s structure, its funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, and its support for home-based childcare providers and smaller municipalities. Dante Sawyer, Village Manager of Hazel Crest, highlights the importance of community engagement and the economic benefits, including job creation. Barbara Nelson, a childcare provider, shares a personal perspective on the transformative impact of having lead removed from her facility. waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet.
