Here are helpful tips from our Lead Ed Day training webinar.

What to expect
  • 8:30 - 9:00 am -- All participants: Welcome kickoff and Q/A via Zoom webinar
  • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm -- Legislative meetings with your team
  • 12:00 - 1:00 pm -- All participants: Lunch keynote panels with a parent perspectives conversation followed by a DHHS leaders presentation
  • 1:00 - 4:30 pm -- Legislative meetings with your team, then adjourn for the day

We will have fun, and we will reach policymakers!

 

Lead Basics
  • Lead is a highly toxic metal and a very strong poison
  • Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body. 
  • Children younger than 6 years of age are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning
  • Lead poisoning can be treated, but any damage caused cannot be reversed. 
  • Lead is a big problem for Michigan
    • For both urban and rural areas
    • Michigan is among the worst states for rate of lead poisoned kids
  • There is a 4-7 point decrease in IQ for every 10 ug/dL increase in blood lead levels
  • 21.1% of ADHD cases are associated with elevated blood lead levels

Lead is linked to:

  • Hypertension
  • Hearing loss
  • Osteoporosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Kidney damage
  • Reproductive issues

Some new studies show a link to:

  • Diabetic kidney disease
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Renal, liver and hematologic impairments

In Michigan:

  • 70% of Michigan’s housing stock was built before 1978
  • Roughly only 20% of children are being tested though
  • Testing rates have dropped severely since COVID-19

 

Lead Education Day

What is Michigan Alliance for Lead Safe Homes?

  • Formed in 2010 to end lead poisoning in Michigan
  • Statewide coalition of health, housing, environmental, child advocates, parents and others
  • Work on state and local level to secure resources and policies to provide education, prevention, testing, and abatement of lead hazards in Michigan

Lead Education Day Talking Points

  • Explain Universal Lead Testing for ALL Michigan kids aged 1 & 2.   
  • Explain why it’s crucial to require a Lead test at sale or transfer of property.  
  • Explain what Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) and why Michigan, not our federal government, should run this program.
  • Thank our Legislators for their support to end lead poisoning in Michigan.

Your voice makes a difference

  • Lead poisoning is a statewide problem that is preventable
  • Lead poisoning is solvable and we are making GREAT strides
  • Prevention is the only solution for our kids
  • Lawmakers need to hear from you to make these changes

 

Advocacy 101

Preparation

  • Set up in a quiet place
  • Dress professionally
  • Be flexible
  • You may meet with staff and you may have to wait or shorten meetings

Speaking

  • Introduce yourself and who you represent
  • Describe the purpose of your meeting
  • Make the local connection and speak from experience
    • Why does this issue matter to you?
    • How does it impact you, your family, your students, clients, patients, etc.?
    • Personalize the issue for them

 

Tech 101

Find out what team you are on on the Participants page.

Find your team schedule on the Teams page

Take a photo (a screen shot) of your team to help us remember the day!

  • Apple computers: Tap the Shift, Command and 4 keys together
  • Non-Apple computers: Tap the Windows icon and PrtScn keys together
  • Phones: Press the Home and Power buttons
  • Too tough? If you’re on a computer, use your cell phone to take pic!

New to Zoom? Watch a short video on how to join a meeting.

Looking for a more in-depth explainer? Watch our Lead Ed Day 101 training webinar.