(Washington, DC) The District of Columbia government will hold its "Lead Safe Fair: Healthy Homes - Healthy Children" on Saturday, October 28 from 11 am - 3 pm. This event will include several mini-workshops and government/community exhibitors. It will allow District residents and property owners the opportunity to learn more about lead-based paint hazards, safety precautions and preventive measures. The fair will be held at the Reeves Center, located at 2000 14th Street, NW.

Experts from government and community organizations will be on hand to provide information and answer questions pertaining to lead-based paint and health issues. The Department of Health will also provide blood screenings for lead, and the National Children's Medical Center will provide immunization testing for children. In addition, several informative workshops will be held discussing a variety of topics, including healthy home tips and updates on local and federal laws.

"This fair provides an important opportunity for District residents to learn about the dangers of lead-based paint and how properties that are not lead-safe can affect the health of DC residents, particularly children," said Dianne Haskett, DC Interagency Lead Coordinator. "The workshops and various vendors in attendance will give residents the opportunity to ask questions and obtain important and useful information regarding health and housing matters."

This fair is a collaborative effort between the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the District Department of the Environment (DDOE), the Department of Health and the DC Housing Authority. The event is also sponsored by Chartered Health Plan, Amerigroup and Lead Safe DC.

For more information, contact Najuma Thorpe (DHCD) at (202)442-7253 or Robin Graham (DDOE) at (202) 359-5514.