Following the example of the Lead Safe Allegheny Coalition, the Women for a Healthy Environment have partnered with the City of McKeesport, McKeesport Area School District, and McKeesport Housing Authority to form the Lead Safe McKeesport Coalition.

In December, the group hosted an introductory meeting to bring together community stakeholders in the fields of childcare, education, healthcare, and government to establish the framework for this local partnership focused on lead awareness. In March, they organized subcommittees that will help to educate our community on simple ways to have healthier homes, and therefore, a healthier community. Partners developed subcommittees in the areas of community outreach, youth wellness & education, and housing & facilities, and participants brainstormed together to outline concerns, identify resources, and develop solutions.

Here in McKeesport, Mayor Cherepko’s motto is “Working Together for a Better McKeesport,” and this concept is more of an invitation than a slogan. The Women for a Healthy Environment have accepted that invitation in bringing their organization’s expertise to our community. The Women for a Healthy Environment have an impressive record of creating environmentally healthy homes, schools, and early learning centers through education and remediation programming, and in convening an effective Lead Safe Allegheny County Coalition comprised of local government agencies, community-based organizations and non-profits, managed care organizations, health care providers, contractors, trainers, and early intervention specialists.

In order to address the issues being identified within the McKeesport community, McKeesport intends to model its local coalition after Lead Safe Allegheny. By simultaneously implementing programs that will identify and remediate hazards, the McKeesport coalition hopes to use local data and community ambassadors to educate our community. Mayor Cherepko said he is confident that McKeesport’s new coalition will "help us to build a safer, healthier, and better McKeesport."