County Executive McMahon Announces Release of Lead Progress Report During 2026 Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced the release of the Lead Progress Report: Our Report to the Community during a media event held as part of 2026 Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (LPPW).
The report offers a transparent and comprehensive look at the County’s efforts to reduce childhood lead exposure through testing, early detection, home inspections, remediation programs, and community outreach. Beginning this fall, Onondaga County will share this annual report during LPPW, creating a consistent moment for residents to review progress and reinforce community-wide commitment to eliminating childhood lead exposure. Additional year-to-date data is available on the County’s website and updates will also be provided each year during the County Executive’s State of the County address.
County Executive McMahon emphasized the administration’s dedication to openness and measurable progress: “Transparency and accountability are the foundation of our work to protect children and families. This report gives our community a clear picture of what we’ve achieved, where challenges remain, and how we are driving progress every day. We will continue investing in prevention, remediation, and strong partnerships to ensure every child grows up in a safe and healthy home.”
Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson underscored the importance of ongoing public communication and early intervention: “Even small amounts of lead can impact a child’s development, and one child with lead poisoning is one child too many. Ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential is fundamental to health equity, and reducing lead exposure must remain a public health priority. Sharing this report each year during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week helps keep our community informed and engaged. Combining our annual summary with year-to-date updates ensures families, providers, and partners always have access to timely information.”
Director of Community Development Marty Skahen highlighted the importance of strengthening housing conditions through coordinated investment: “Our goal is to remove barriers and make homes safer for families as quickly and effectively as possible. Through expanded remediation programs, historic levels of investment, and a growing network of trained contractors, we’re delivering real improvements in housing conditions across Onondaga County. These efforts are about more than compliance; they’re about giving families peace of mind and ensuring every child has a safe place to grow and thrive.”
Since 2022, Onondaga County has invested more than $24 million in lead-safe housing improvements, workforce expansion, testing access, and support services, representing the County’s largest coordinated effort to prevent childhood lead poisoning.
The Lead Progress Report and current year-to-date data are available at: https://onondaga.gov/health-lead/local-data/