Preventing Lead Exposure: No More High Lead Levels
Special thanks to WPP for its partnership and demonstrated willingness to adjust to the community needs in the face of COVID-19. WPP’s resolve and support of Metcalfe Park and its needs during these unprecedented times is most appreciated.
At a Glance
The original aim of this project was to address the health inequities of lead exposure and lead poisoning in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood in Milwaukee. However, the grant was reallocated to respond to the immediate needs of the community during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Challenge
The COVID-19 pandemic has had disproportionate effects on African American communities. In Wisconsin, for example, African American individuals make up only six percent of the population, yet they represent nearly half of the coronavirus-related deaths. Some factors that drive these differences include other medical conditions, location, and type of work. African Americans are more likely to have underlying health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma that may exacerbate the severity of COVID-19. These individuals are also more likely to live in densely populated areas, often in multi-generational housing units. Additionally, many African American individuals work essential jobs and commute via public transportation which limits their ability to distance from others.
Project Goals
This project aimed to address the needs that are critical to the health of the Metcalfe Park Neighborhood by providing COVID-19 related education, prevention materials and resources, and other basic needs including food, hygiene products, and enrichment for children.
Results
The Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Inc. (MPCB) successfully responded to the scarcity of food and supplies and increased health and community connectedness in Metcalfe Park during the COVID-19 crisis.
MPCB delivered 10,200 mutual aid packages to Metcalfe Park community members. This Mutual Aid Initiative was expanded to include the Metcalfe Park Freedom Shop which provided food, supplies, and person protective equipment (PPE) to more than 124 families, 354 adults, and 150 young people
MPCB partnered with the city of Milwaukee Health Department to co-sponsor four walk-in vaccine clinics for residents 12 and over. Educational materials about COVID-19 and the vaccine were provided and distributed to residents in several languages including English, Hmong, and Spanish.
MPCB formed a new partnership with the Milwaukee Diaper Mission and distributed diapers, pull-ups, and hygiene supplies to families. In addition to these products, 100 lead testing kits and water filters and 215 winter coats and jackets were provided to community residents.
MPCB sent 115,162 text messages to inform the community about MPCB’s nine outdoor events and resource fairs which were attended by 1,055 people.
For this work, MPCB received the 2021 MANDI Associated Bank Trailblazer Award by Milwaukee Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) for its Mutual Aid efforts. MANDI, or Milwaukee Award for Neighborhood Development Innovation, recognizes individuals, organizations, and projects that enrich central city neighborhoods. Additionally, the MPCB’s Mutual Aid program has been used as a template for other communities.
Looking to the Future
The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have lasting impacts on Metcalfe Park residents. This work helped leverage a $100,000 grant through MATCH WI which will allow MPCB to continue its work through 2022.