Olivia Lane, program coordinator with Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance travels to Omaha homes on a weekly basis, making sure homes are environmentally safe for kids and their families.
As part of their LEAP (Lead Education Action Program) work, OHKA works to educate homeowners about lead – the number one environmental hazard to children.
“We have sick kids in the community. Lead poison is a real thing. And many people don’t know about it, so unless you’re aware and have your home tested, you could have it in your home,” says Lane.
“About 86,000 homes in Douglas County alone were built before 1978, which is one of the greatest predictors in whether or not they used lead-based paint on the home,” says Tony Vargas, board member for OHKA.
OHKA does home assessments and connects homeowners with resources to transform their home into a healthy hazard-free environment.
The nonprofit is having a fundraising event on Saturday – the Fifth Annual Rundee 5K, a race in which runners will kick off Dundee Day in their undies, running through the Dundee neighborhood and into Memorial Park.
Funds raised will go towards the nonprofit.
The cost to run ranges from $30 to adults, $25 for ages 12 to 18, and $10 for ages 6 to 10. Children under 5 are free. Online registration closes Thursday.
