'Look at it as a pause:' HUD official says main lead abatement concern in Milwaukee involves paint
MILWAUKEE -- Federal officials said Tuesday, Feb. 13 they are confident the Milwaukee Health Department will get its embattled lead abatement program back on track.
Common Council urges citizens, workers to report abuses in city; "If you see something, please say something"
MILWAUKEE -- If you see something, say something.
Mayor Barrett rescinds MHD policy preventing employees from coming forward with lead concerns
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on Thursday, Feb. 1 rescinded a policy at the Milwaukee Health Department that prohibited employees from communicating with elected officials -- a day after Common Council members learned such policy existed.The mayor's move came after Alderman Tony Zielinski Thursday said in a statement he plans to introduce a resolution to prohibit departments from enacting policies restricting employees from communicating with elected city officials, to prohibit any policy which aims to stifle whistle-blowers.It was learned on Wednesday, Jan. 31 the policy prevented MHD leaders from going to the Common Council and mayor with lead concerns.
Report reveals at least 2 children with elevated levels of lead released to homes not deemed "lead safe"
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on Monday evening, Jan. 29 held a press conference to discuss a 51-page report issued to his office and the Milwaukee Common Council by the Milwaukee Health Department -- a report requested by Mayor Barrett amid an assessment into potential mismanagement and shortfalls related to the "Lead Poisoning Prevention Program." It was recently revealed that follow-up letters from the health department to families with children who have tested positive for elevated levels of lead may not have been sent.In response, Mayor Barrett called upon the health department to provide a full accounting of actions taken to date, and a corrective action plan as city leaders try to understand the scope of the issues and their impact on the community."The report contains much of what I have already reported to you, including that there were deficiencies in documenting whether follow-up was conducted to parents after an elevated blood lead level was reported by a medical provider," Barrett said.
Common Council committee votes against confirming Paul Nannis as interim Health Department director
MILWAUKEE -- Members of the Common Council's Public Safety and Health Committee on Thursday, Jan. 25 voted against confirming Paul Nannis as interim director of the Milwaukee Health Department.
"Going to inform every family:" City of Milwaukee opens 3 clinics for free lead testing
MILWAUKEE -- The letters are out and it is time to test.
6K+ letters mailed to families of kids with elevated lead levels, hotline to be created
MILWAUKEE -- It has been one week since Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced he was angry and disappointed by the Health Department's handling of the lead program in the city.
