If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online.

Funding Opens to Help NJ Schools Safeguard Drinking Water for Thousands of Students

Earlier this month, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) opened applications for NJ school districts to access $2 million in funding to purchase drinking water filters through the School Lead Filter program. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis, with a deadline of September 30, 2026. Learn more here.

Upcoming Events

Lead Poisoning Prevention Resources for Rural Communities in New Jersey

When: Apr 30, 2026 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Hosted by Green and Healthy Homes Initiative

Advocacy Actions

Complete the NJDCA’s 2026 State of New Jersey Community Needs Assessment Survey by May 1. Consider emphasizing the importance of owner-occupied and rental home repair and affordable housing preservation. Use words “preservation” and “rehabilitation”.
LRAP Agencies: Consider budget testimony about the importance of the program – If you're not an LRAP org, you can delete the second paragraph: https://ujoin.co/campaigns/3990/actions/public?action_id=6731
- Catch up on the issue: read this article featuring Ben Haygood, Isles, published by Gothamist: Work to get lead paint out of NJ homes faces funding cliff
Join the Filter Your Tap Campaign: Sign up here https://www.leadfreenj.org/filteryourtap/
Send questions to Governor Sherrill through social media submissions, digital platforms, and a dedicated call-in line at 1-800-763-0963 for "Ask Governor Sherrill," a new bi-monthly live community program featuring New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill on Uforia’s WXNY 96.3FM and the Univision 41 YouTube Channel.
Prepare to vote in the June primary election: https://www.vote411.org/lwvnj

ICYMI: Reflecting on Black Maternal Health Week

As we observe Black Maternal Health Week and acknowledge the urgent need for maternal health equity, we must spread awareness of how lead impacts the pregnant body and a landmark policy update, P.L.2025, c.193, that improves lead screening for pregnant people in New Jersey.

Keep reading the blog by Deandrah Cameron, MPH, Backbone staff; Elyse Pivnick, MCP, Lead-Free NJ Health Committee Co-Chair; and Sheila Caldwell, RN, Lead-Free NJ Health Committee Co-Chair

Lead in the News

Paterson

Paterson Expands Lead and Healthy Homes Inspections with $91.5K Multi-Vendor Contract

Federal

Water

Paint

Work to get lead paint out of NJ homes faces funding cliff

Soil

RED BANK: EAST SIDE PARK CLOSES FOR LEAD CLEANUP

Consumer items

Health

Outside of NJ

Lead-contaminated paint, water, and soil, and other sources disproportionately affects young children, causing serious medical and behavioral issues into adulthood, and low-income communities and/or communities of color are most at risk, due to systemic inequities. However, these issues can be prevented by targeting the sources of lead. Working together as Lead-Free NJ, an inclusive and equitable collaborative focused on removing lead from New Jersey’s environment, we can address this complex problem on a larger scale than any individual or organization can alone. The time is now to demand action and organize for state-wide lead remediation in every home, childcare facility, school, and water system.

Staff Contacts: Heather Sorge, program manager (609) 262-3646 (direct), hsorge@njfuture.org; Cassie Bolinger, program coordinator, 609-262-3541 (direct), cbolinger@njfuture.org.

Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive insider updates on Lead-Free NJ’s work, information about how you can get involved, details about upcoming events, and more.

New Jersey Future is a member of Lead-Free NJ, and serves as the “backbone” staff for the collaborative. NJF staff coordinate the day-to-day activities of each collaborative in support of its shared purpose.

This email was sent to {{Recipient Email}}. Click here to unsubscribe.