NLIHC and the National Housing Law Project are hosting a Capitol Hill briefing on “Healthy Housing Solutions” on October 23 at 2:30 p.m. ET in the Dirksen Building, Room G50.
Carbon monoxide and lead-based paint pose grave threats in any housing, and some federally assisted housing programs lag behind private markets in addressing these dangers and preventing the severe effects of poisoning, including death. Carbon monoxide has been dubbed the “silent killer” and is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Lead poisoning has irreversible and devastating effects on children. Current data indicate that one-fifth of all children with lead poisoning in the U.S. - or 90,000 children - participate in HUD's Housing Choice Voucher program.
Panelists will discuss these dangers in more detail and share how two bipartisan bills – S. 2160, the “Carbon Monoxide Alarms Leading Every Resident to Safety Act” (CO ALERTS) and S. 1583, the “Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act” – would help protect residents in federal housing programs.
The session will be led by Sarah Saadian, NLIHC Vice President of Public Policy. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) will give opening remarks.
Panelists are:
- Emily Benfer, visiting associate clinical professor of law, Columbia Law School
- Donna Black, HCV program participant and mother of two
- Dr. Sean Palfrey, medical director of the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Boston Medical Center
- Deborah Thrope, deputy director, National Housing Law Project
- Students from the Columbia University Health Justice Advocacy Clinic
Register to attend the Hill Briefing at: https://tinyurl.com/yxec3gf9