The City of Lima and the West Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP) get the word out about removing dangerous lead from people's homes. They hosted a panel discussion called "Let's Talk Lead" to help inform the public about the different programs that are out there to help remove lead paint that can be found in homes built before 1978. Lima tests its water regularly, and there have not been any dangers of lead in the water. Officials say that's because the pipes have been lined with protective material, but there is funding available to replace lead service lines that connect homes to the public water.

The West Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP) is once again working to help families prevent lead poisoning from happening to them. As part of their Lead Safe Program, they can provide services to homeowners or renters to get rid of lead in their homes. It's financed through a federal grant from the Ohio Department of Health. Lead comes from a variety of sources, but a big one is paint found in homes built before 1978. If you feel you may have lead-based paint in your home, contact WOCAP to start the process.

Area residents getting educated on the issue of lead in Allen County homes and what they can do to help. The NAACP held a training session on Friday, showing people what steps to take in order to get their lead abatement license. The class was led by Keith Lockhart, a liaison and contractor for the Ohio Department of Development. Those with a lead abatement license will be certified to properly inspect and remove lead from homes in materials like paint on walls and in window frames. Lead has been shown to cause a long list of health problems.

The City of Lima is working with partners like WOCAP, the NAACP, and Daddy's at Work to turn lead removal into local jobs. Both renters and homeowners who live in a lead-positive home built before 1978 and have children six or younger may qualify for free removal with WOCAP's lead abatement program. Many older homes may have lead in the paint as well as in the pipes, which can become airborne and have negative health effects for the entire household. Work is already underway in two Lima homes, and more are encouraged to apply.

Locally, the West Ohio Community Action Partnership can help you make your home lead-safe. Allen, Auglaize, and Mercer County residents may qualify for up to $20,000 towards home repairs under the lead safe program. Most homes built before 1978 contain lead paint.