Lead Summit sparks action to protect Indianapolis families from toxic exposure 

Indianapolis’ recent Lead Summit brought health experts and community leaders together to tackle the city’s lead exposure crisis, highlighting urgent steps needed to protect local families and create safer neighborhoods.& “We care about this cause because we care about our children here in Indianapolis,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said. “We understand that not only are they the future of our city, but they are also at the heart of everything that we do as a city … We are here to envision a lead-free Indy.”& Mayor Joe Hogsett speaks of the goal to protect Indianapolis’ children from the dangers of lead at the Lead-Free Indy Summit. (Photos/Angela Herrmann) Indianapolis is behind when it comes to lead safety. Grants and other funding have higher utilization in Ohio and Illinois than Indiana. A problem that could be addressed at the summit according to Paul Krievens, division director for Lead and Healthy Homes for the Indiana Department of Health.& “We are underrepresented in the Midwest landscape of communities that are willing to step up and be bold,” Krievens said. “Change is what we need. That’s what’s going to move the needle, and I think that’s ultimately how we as a state get better.”& The...