Excerpt from Yiddish
article in Der Yid’s December 28, 2018 edition
NYC Health
Department’s Healthy Homes department and local pediatricians thanked for
attending a meeting at UJO focused on
reducing lead poisoning incidents in Williamsburg.
Brooklyn, NY - Monday,
December 17, the New York City Health Department's Healthy Homes department
held a meeting at the UJO office with local pediatricians to discuss the large
numbers of children in Williamsburg found to have high levels of lead in their
blood and how to best deal with this critical issue.
The meeting was attended by Dr.
Hecht, Dr. Appio, and N.P. from ODA, along with the ODA Managing Director, Reb
Yomtov Malik, who is also a leader of the Hatzolah Organization, Dr. Moshe Ruzorsky
of Bedford Medical, and Dr. Steve Goldstein of Rutledge Pediatrics and
President of the American Academy of Pediatrics New York State Chapter 2.10
Dr. Jacqueline Ehrlich, Medical
Director of the Health Department's division focused on lead poisoning, presented
facts about lead poisoning, where the problems are coming from in New York
City, and the extremely high rates in Williamsburg.
The UJO has been working with the
Department of Health for several years already to alert the Williamsburg public
about the harm of lead and to help prevent lead paint problems. Over a year
ago, a Reuters investigation showed alarming numbers of children in the area
who had high lead blood levels. This led to a stronger campaign, and UJO hired
special staff prepared to address lead problems for parents with questions. The
staff members also address and help correct issues landlords come across
including helping with grant applications which can pay for renovation costs of
eligible homes with high lead levels - as much as $20,000 per apartment.
The UJO expresses its appreciation
for the Health Department for coming down to speak to the doctors and to the
doctors who took time off from their busy schedules to discuss the important
topic for the benefit of Williamsburg's children.
For help with any issues connected
to lead, call the UJO Lead Safety division at 718.643.9700 Extension 241 or email
leadsafety@unitedjewish.org.
