History Of The Lead Safe Omaha Coalition

The task of reducing lead exposure is complex and multifaceted. It requires broad and diverse representation from city, county and state government,public and private health agencies, neighborhood associations, health clinics, private consultants, and environmental groups and others.

The LSOC was created as a non-profit community-based group of concerned citizens, parents, grandparents, child-care providers, local and federal agencies all working together to end childhood lead poisoning among children 6 years of age and younger in the Omaha/Douglas County area.

The initial focus of the LSOC consisted of the eastern edge of the city that lies along the Missouri River bank and west approximately four miles. The neighborhoods within this area consist of nine zip codes: 68102, 68104, 68110, 68111, 68112, 68131, 68105, 68107 and 68108. The residents of these zip codes are predominantly African Americans and Latinos. However, the LSOC has now broadened their scope to include the Omaha/Douglas area focusing particularly on all children under the age of six and pregnant women.