Lead Safe Ohio Program makes funds available for families

The new Lead Safe Ohio Program, which is part of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s ongoing efforts to make more of Ohio’s homes lead-safe for children and families, will invest $150 million toward state and local efforts to prevent lead poisoning and remediate homes of contamination.

Funds can be used for lead-safe building certification, screening and testing for lead poisoning, education and outreach, and early intervention for children and families impacted by lead.

Remaining funding will be used by the Ohio Department of Development for workforce development, recruitment and retention of lead contractors, and lead safe renovations such as window and door replacement in single-family homes, congregate care shelters and childcare facilities constructed before 1978.

The Ohio General Assembly funded the program in House Bill 45, with money appropriated through the American Rescue Plan Act. Governor DeWine signed the bill into law on Jan. 6, 2023.

The program will be administered by the Department of Development, in coordination with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).

More information on the program, including guidelines for how to apply, will be released as it becomes available.