BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The City of Battle Creek celebrated National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday at 20 Chestnut Street, a recently completed lead abatement project near downtown. The event was hosted by the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce. 

The home, a 1900 Victorian-style residence, underwent lead hazard removal after the grandchildren of the occupants were poisoned during home improvement work. Through the city’s Lead Safe Program—funded by the State of Michigan’s Childhood Health Improvement Program (CHIP)—Flory Construction, LLC replaced windows and repainted the home to eliminate lead risks. 

Throughout the week, the city and Calhoun County Public Health Department will share educational tips on safe cleaning, nutrition to reduce lead absorption, early blood lead testing, and local resources. Updates will be posted on the City of Battle Creek’s social media channels. 

Since 2018, the city has partnered with Community Action and the county health department to abate lead in more than 207 housing units across Calhoun County. The city handles projects within Battle Creek, while Community Action serves the broader county. 

The city and Community Action recently secured a renewed $1.3 million grant from the State of Michigan to continue lead hazard reduction efforts. By September 2026, the program will complete up to 25 lead inspections and 21 abatements. Homes receiving abatement often display yard signs reading “Building Lead-Safe Communities Together.” 

The city also has a pending application for a Housing and Urban Development Lead Hazard Reduction grant to support the abatement of 13 additional homes annually. A key component of the HUD grant is a community education campaign to promote blood lead testing and create safer homes for families with young children. 

The city remains committed to building a healthier future for families across Calhoun County. Through continued partnerships, grant funding, and community education, the city aims to reduce lead exposure, promote early testing, and ensure safe, lead-free homes for generations to come. 

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Photo cutline: Representatives from the City of Battle Creek, Community Action, Calhoun County Public Health Department, the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, and other community partners gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 20 Chestnut Street on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, to recognize National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and celebrate the completion of a lead abatement project.

For more information: 
Helen Guzzo, Manager, Community Development 
hhguzzo@battlecreekmi.gov