Health commissioner reports $1.3M in lead grants, vaccination clinics and plans to bring primary care to Chester
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Summary
Health Commissioner Dr. Kristen Motley told council the Chester Lead Task Force secured $1.3 million in grants, reached more than 2,000 residents with lead education and testing, ran vaccination clinics that served nearly 200 people and submitted a pending $3.5 million HUD grant to expand remediation work.
Dr. Kristen Motley, Chester's commissioner of health, gave a department update on Nov. 26 focusing on environmental health, health-care access and grants.
On lead work, Motley said the Chester Lead Task Force marked its first year and "we've secured $1,300,000 in grants to address lead in homes and improve indoor air quality." She described a lead expo offering free testing and cleaning kits, landlord engagement around enforcement of the city's lead ordinance, and a partnership with the Chester Water Authority on a lead service line inventory. She said roughly 2,000 residents have been reached through outreach and education.
Motley also summarized healthcare access activity: community-based vaccination clinics have administered nearly 200 vaccines at locations including City Hall, Palmer House and local faith and community sites. She said the department made more than 150 successful referrals to health-care providers after Crozer closed services and is working with Main Line Health, Newman University and the Delaware County Health Department to bring free primary care services to Chester.
On grants, Motley said the city submitted a $3,500,000 HUD grant proposal to advance lead remediation work and is awaiting a decision.
Council members thanked the commissioner and praised her network-building work, noting her testimony before Philadelphia City Council on the Stop Trashing Our Air Act and ongoing efforts to address air quality and chronic disease.