Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Joins Community Partners to Kick Off National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield joined community leaders, health advocates, and local organizations this week to launch National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week at a press conference hosted by the LeadSafe CNY Coalition in Syracuse.

The event brought together partners committed to raising awareness about the dangers of lead exposure and connecting families with resources that help create healthier living environments. Speakers included Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens, Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Pamela Hunter, Onondaga County Legislator Daniel Romeo, representatives from the Onondaga County Health Department, the Central New York Community Foundation, InterFaith Works, and family advocates working to protect children from lead exposure.

This year's observance, held October 25-31, centers on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency theme, "Keep Kids Safe From Lead," highlighting the importance of education, early detection, and access to resources that help prevent lead poisoning.

"Lead exposure can have lifelong impacts on a child's health, development, and overall well-being," said Dr. Nicholas Massa, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Excellus BCBS. "Protecting children from lead poisoning requires strong partnerships among healthcare organizations, community agencies, housing providers, and public health leaders. By working together, we can identify risks earlier, connect families with critical resources, and help create safer, healthier communities for future generations."

As part of its commitment to improving community health, Excellus BCBS supports organizations addressing social and environmental factors that influence health outcomes.

In Syracuse, the health plan supports Tiny Home for Good, which provides stable housing solutions, including temporary housing assistance for families when lead hazards are identified in their homes. In the Southern Tier, Excellus BCBS supports the Economic Opportunity Program, Inc. (EOP) and its ACCEL Clinic, where lead testing services help identify exposure early and connect families to education, care, and follow-up support.

These community partnerships help ensure children and families have access to the services, safe housing, and support they need to live healthier lives.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week serves as an important reminder that preventing lead exposure requires collective action. Through ongoing collaboration with community partners, Excellus BCBS remains committed to advancing solutions that help keep children safe and support healthier futures throughout the communities it serves.

Contact:
Melissa Klinko [email protected]