Created on Thursday, 02 July 2009 15:52
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
MAYOR BALLARD, HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE STIMULUS GRANT WORK IN MARTINDALE BRIGHTWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD AREA
INDIANAPOLIS – Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County has received more than $874,000 in federal stimulus funding to address health hazards and residential safety in the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood area. The funding will also promote job creation in the funding area.
“Developing strong neighborhoods is critical to ensuring a healthy, more vibrant Indianapolis,” said Mayor Ballard. “I commend the Marion County Health Department for the work that will ensue as a result of this funding, and I’m very pleased that we will see not only improvements to homes in this area, but also an increase in jobs throughout the process.”
The $874,565 will be used to assist up to 400 homes. All participating homes will receive a healthy homes assessment and low-cost intervention tools aimed at reducing home hazards. These tools include: electrical outlet covers, fire extinguishers, protective baby gates, mattress covers for asthma sufferers, pest control measures, tub rails, shower chairs, rug grippers, CO/smoke detectors and other home safety items.
Up to 150 homes will receive additional needed repairs to the home such as radon remediation, wheelchair ramps, handrails, door widening, bathroom and kitchen modifications and other identified safety needs for elderly or disabled residents.
“The Marion County Health Department will oversee the local stimulus money through its Lead Safe and Healthy Homes department. All homes serviced through the Healthy Homes stimulus funding will be further assessed for lead based paint hazards,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D, director, Marion County Health Department.
When hazards are identified, qualified homes will be enrolled in the lead hazard control program for additional services including window replacement, painting, siding and other hazard reduction measures.
Neighborhood focus groups will be formed to gain local input into health issues and concerns. The health department will combine this information with its priorities of radon awareness, unintentional accidents and accessibility issues, mold and moisture concerns, asthma triggers and lead. Actual work is scheduled to begin this fall.
There are qualification requirements and the Marion County Health Department is encouraging those living in the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood area to contact the health department at 221-2155 to learn more about the program and services being offered.
Contractors receiving stimulus funding will be required to hire local residents to assist in repairs, upgrades and other work. Funds will be available for job training.
