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53 <br /> emergency financial aid,the program helps tenants negotiate with landlords, resolve disputes, and <br /> remain housed whenever possible. <br /> Together,the EHA and EDP programs assist approximately 550 households annually,with many <br /> clients utilizing both services. Each year, around 300 individuals apply for EHA support(only about <br /> half are eligible and approved),while over 400 tenants seek assistance through the EDP,with a <br /> significant overlap between the two programs.According to estimates from the county's Eviction <br /> Diversion Program attorney,well over half of EDP clients have children,with as many as 70%of <br /> households including minors. <br /> SP-65 Lead-based Paint Hazards - 91 .415, 91 .215(i) <br /> Actions to address LBP hazards and increase access to housing without LBP hazards <br /> Lead-Based Paint(LBP) hazards are a concern for low-income households living in older, <br /> substandard housing and who may not have the financial resources to make their homes lead-safe. <br /> To address this concern,the Orange County HOME Consortium has developed the following <br /> strategy to increase the number of homes that are made lead-safe and reduce the number of child <br /> Lead poisoning cases: <br /> • Ensuring that County rehabilitation staff and the contractors they work with are <br /> knowledgeable about LBP requirements of all federal housing programs <br /> • Distributing information on LBP hazards to all households that participate in County <br /> housing programs <br /> • Conducting LBP inspections and assessments as necessary <br /> • Implementing environmental control or abatement measures (for both LBP and asbestos) <br /> as applicable in all federally-funded projects <br /> This strategy will allow Orange County to: be in full compliance with all applicable LBP regulations; <br /> control or reduce,to the extent feasible, all LBP hazards in housing rehabilitated with federal funds; <br /> and reduce the number of incidences of elevated blood lead levels in children. <br /> How are the actions listed above related to the extent of lead poisoning hazards? <br /> Recent studies have highlighted potential gaps in lead screening protocols.A 2022 study revealed <br /> that current North Carolina lead screening strategies might miss over 30%of children with <br /> subclinical lead poisoning, suggesting that the actual prevalence of EBLLs could be higher than <br /> reported.The Orange County Health Department emphasizes the significance of lead poisoning <br /> prevention, particularly for children under six years old,who are more susceptible to its harmful <br /> effects. Lead exposure in children can lead to serious health issues, including behavioral problems, <br /> reduced IQ, and developmental delays.To mitigate these risks, Orange County has implemented <br /> measures such as educational programs, lead hazard assessments, and collaborations with state <br /> agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. However,the need for enhanced <br /> screening, public awareness, and preventive interventions remains critical to effectively address <br /> and reduce lead exposure among children in the county. <br /> 50 <br />