Help Our Children Live Free, Lead-Free!

We are intensifying our efforts to combat the rising rates of lead poisoning among Erie’s most vulnerable—our children—through comprehensive testing, diagnosis, treatment, and advocacy.

At MHEDS (Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System), we provide accessible, culturally competent healthcare to our diverse community. In fulfilling this promise, we are intensifying our efforts to combat the rising rates of lead poisoning among Erie’s most vulnerable—our children—through comprehensive testing, diagnosis, treatment, and advocacy.

Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the nation for the percentage of housing built before 1950, a time when lead was commonly used in construction. Erie County, with a high number of children under six, experiences lead poisoning rates significantly above the state average—more than 1.5 times the rate of Flint, Michigan. The effects of lead poisoning include learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and serious health issues like heart and kidney damage.

MHEDS views its efforts to mitigate lead poisoning and its effects as a major, long-term, transformational community initiative. Through our tools, screenings and blood level testing, nutritional interventions, ongoing monitoring, referrals, and advocacy efforts with policy and decision-makers, we believe we can make a difference.

However, the success of this initiative relies on your generous support. Your donations during Erie Gives Day will directly fund our ongoing efforts to provide essential lead testing and health services, regardless of parents’ ability to pay. By contributing, you enhance our capacity to protect and nurture our community’s future—our children—and help them to Live Free, Lead-Free!

Join us on Erie Gives Day, August 13th. Make a generous donation to MHEDS and support this crucial work!