More than 6,000 doors knocked. Lead Free Memphis is showing how face-to-face outreach can turn a complex water infrastructure program into information families can use.
LaTricea Adams, founder, CEO, and president of Young, Gifted & Green, launched the initiative in 2017 after seeing how Flint Rising reached residents during the Flint water crisis.
The Memphis campaign used the local utility’s service-line map to identify neighborhoods for canvassing. At each home, community messengers explained lead risks, water testing, and service line replacement in language intended to make technical information less intimidating.
That outreach grew into the Memphis Lead Coalition, bringing together Young, Gifted & Green, Memphis Light, Gas and Water, Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, the University of Memphis, the City of Memphis, and Shelby County. Young people also participate in the work, connecting the campaign directly with those most vulnerable to lead exposure.
Lead pipe replacement depends on engineering and construction. It also depends on residents understanding the risk, trusting the people at their door, and knowing how to participate.
Lead Free Memphis is one of 16 honorees recognized by the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative and received the Excellence in Community Engagement award. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e8sKJvBc
Content supported by Environmental Defense Fund, RESOLVE, and Environmental Policy Innovation Center.
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