ESNDC Leadsafe Program

06/01/2026

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of lead exposure for children and parents should know why.

According to Cleveland Clinic pediatrician Dr. Roopa Thakur, summer activities like home renovations can stir up lead dust indoors. Opening windows creates friction on older lead paint around windowsills and door frames, causing it to deteriorate and spread harmful particles.

Key facts every parent should know:
📌 Children under age 6 are at the greatest risk
📌 Lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage, developmental delays, and behavioral problems
📌 Homes built before 1978 are most likely to contain lead-based paint
📌 Lead can be found in soil up to 10 feet from a home with deteriorating lead paint
📌 Children with lead poisoning often show NO symptoms — testing is critical

If you notice chipping paint, clean with a damp cloth and safely cover or repaint the area. Talk to your pediatrician about whether your child should be tested.

Stay informed. Protect your kids this summer.

Read here for more information: https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2026/05/19/why-warmer-months-raise-lead-exposure-risk-for-kids

A pediatrician explains why children face a higher risk of lead exposure during the warmer months and how parents can help protect them.

05/29/2026

🌍 The World Health Organization has introduced its new PREVENT technical package — a major step forward in the global fight against lead poisoning.

The numbers are staggering:
📌 3.5 million cardiovascular-related deaths are linked to lead poisoning every year
📌 Up to 815 million children — 1 in 3 globally — are affected
📌 The impacts include lowered cognitive functioning, reduced educational attainment, and decreased lifetime income

This initiative, co-organized with Bloomberg Philanthropies and Resolve to Save Lives, aims to give countries and health leaders the tools they need to take meaningful action.

Lead poisoning is preventable. Awareness is the first step.

Check out the article here: https://www.who.int/news/item/18-05-2026-who-introduces-prevent-technical-package-to-address-lead-poisoning

As of 31 May 2020, 75 countries have confirmed they have legally binding controls to limit the production, import and sale of lead paints, which is 39% of all countries.

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, we honor those who fought to protect us — and we're committed to protecting YOUR family right here at home.

For the families of St. Paul's East Side, one of the biggest hidden dangers isn't outside — it's inside your walls.

🚨 Did you know? 6 of the 40 Minnesota census tracts designated as lead hot spots are right here on the East Side. If your home was built before 1978, lead-based paint could be putting your children at risk — right now.

No amount of lead is safe for children. None.

That's why ESNDC's Lead Safe Minnesota program exists — and the best part? It's completely FREE.

Whether you're a renter, homeowner, or residential property owner — we have a program for you.

This holiday weekend, give your family the gift of a safer home. One call could protect your child's health, development, and future. 💚

📞 Call us: 651-288-8751
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Learn more: esndc.org/safe-minnesota

05/22/2026

This is why our work matters. 💚

A Saint Paul family came to us after their 12-month-old tested positive for lead — and their landlord's response was to hand them a putty knife and ask them to scrape the paint themselves. An ESNDC Health Educator stepped in, stopped the unsafe work, and connected the family to the support they needed.

Through free in-home assessments, lead safety education, and our SWAB program — which provides up to $1,575 in free work by a certified lead contractor — ESNDC helped this family get their home safe. Four months after the SWAB was completed, their son's lead level dropped from a 16 back to an 8.

If you or someone you know is dealing with lead hazards at home, we're here to help. Our services are free, professional, and confidential.

📩 Contact Marsha at [email protected]

05/21/2026

Last week we supported Ramsey County’s SoilSHOP at Frogtown Community Center by offering free blood lead test screenings to all.

If you missed the event and would like to get your soil tested, please reach out to Ramsey County Healthy Homes at 651-266-1199.

If you are interested in learning more about the free services that LeadSafe MN offers such as blood lead test screening, in-home assessments and more, please call us at 651-288-8751.

05/21/2026

We will miss you Anne DeJoy 💐

Happy retirement ❤️

🎉 Congratulations to Anne DeJoy on her well-earned retirement!

After more than 35 years of dedication to community-based economic development on St. Paul's East Side and beyond, Anne is closing a remarkable chapter — and what a chapter it has been.

From leading the Riverview Economic Development Association, to serving as a Mayoral Aide under two city administrations, to her eight years as a St. Paul Planning Commissioner, to most recently serving as Executive Director of East Side Neighborhood Development Company — Anne has spent her career building stronger, more connected communities.

Her work has been recognized by the Governor of Minnesota, and her fingerprints are on countless initiatives that have shaped the East Side we know today.

We are grateful for her leadership, her vision, and her unwavering commitment to the people of this community. Enjoy every moment of this next chapter, Anne — you've more than earned it! 🌟

05/21/2026

We are hiring!

05/19/2026

We’re excited to welcome our new Executive Director, Lisa Xiong to the team at East Side Neighborhood Development Company.

Please join us in giving Lisa warm welcome to the ESNDC community!

05/12/2026

Tomorrow is the big day!

Does your soil have lead? Bring a soil sample and get it screened for FREE at tomorrow’s community event.

📍 Frogtown Community Center
230 Como Ave, St. Paul
🗓️ Wednesday, May 13
⏰ 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

No appointment needed — just stop by.

Lead in soil can be a hidden risk around your home, especially in older neighborhoods. Testing is the only way to know. Come get answers and take a step toward a safer home and yard. We look forward to seeing you there! All are welcome! Please send us a message if you have any questions!

Learn more: ramseycountymn.gov/SoilScreeningEvent

05/08/2026

Do your windows look like this?

Opening and closing older windows can create lead dust and paint chips—something you can’t always see, but that can be harmful, especially for young children and pregnant women.

The good news: help is available.

The LeadSafe MN Program offers FREE services to help make your home safer, including lead hazard reduction and resources for families.

Call 651-288-8751 to learn more and see if you qualify.

Your home should be a safe place. Let’s make sure it is.

Visit us here for more information: https://esndc.org