A lead prevention concept focused on policy, education, and system coordination
This work began as part of my Master’s capstone and built on policy research I conducted while working with Cara Spencer on lead poisoning prevention in St. Louis.
I translated technical public health and demolition policy research into a clearer, more actionable strategy for reducing lead exposure through prevention, education, and stronger coordination across city systems and community partners.
Lead exposure is preventable, but the systems responsible for prevention are often fragmented
This project focused on a core systems challenge in St. Louis: how might the city reduce childhood lead exposure when demolition practices, community notification, family education, and prevention resources are not well coordinated?
- Lead dust released during demolition can increase exposure risk, especially in communities already facing high rates of child lead poisoning.
- Families may not have enough visibility into nearby demolition activity, the risks it creates, or the steps they can take to reduce exposure.
- Policy gaps and inconsistent practices can limit how effectively city systems prevent lead hazards before harm occurs.
- Without stronger coordination between public agencies, community organizations, and residents, prevention efforts stay reactive instead of proactive.
A prevention-first model could connect policy, education, and community action
The work explored how evidence-based demolition policy, clearer public communication, and more community-rooted support could reduce lead exposure risk before children are harmed.
The design question
How might St. Louis reduce lead exposure through safer demolition practices, stronger prevention education, and better coordination between families, community partners, and city systems?
Connecting policy reform with community-based prevention
This work brought together two connected pieces: a policy brief, Lead & Demolition: Policy and Practices for a Healthier St. Louis, and a pilot concept, Safe Demolition and Healthy Homes (SDHH).
Safer demolition policy
National evidence-based programs and dust-minimizing methods were synthesized into practical policy directions for St. Louis.
Clearer public notification
The concept explored a more streamlined process for notifying communities about demolition activity and related lead exposure risks.
Family education
Families with children under 6 in high-risk wards would receive lead prevention education and connections to trusted resources.
Community health worker support
The SDHH pilot paired families with community health workers to improve access, awareness, and prevention follow-through.
Designed for both families at risk and the systems responsible for prevention
This work was multi-sided by design. It centered families with young children living in high-risk areas, while also shaping recommendations for city systems, community organizations, and decision-makers responsible for demolition and public health policy.
- Clearer information about exposure risk and nearby demolition
- Practical education on lead prevention in the home
- Support navigating resources and follow-up steps
- More consistent demolition standards and dust-control practices
- Better coordination between policy, prevention, and community engagement
- Stronger communication workflows between agencies and residents
Aligned value across families, communities, and public systems
For families
More visibility into environmental health risks, stronger prevention education, and better access to support before exposure escalates into harm.
For community organizations
A clearer structure for outreach, education, and engagement in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by lead exposure and vacant housing.
For city systems
A prevention-oriented model that could improve demolition practices, reduce avoidable exposure, and support healthier housing outcomes over time.
Designing across policy, education, and service coordination
Prevention first
The work focused on reducing harm upstream, before lead exposure becomes an acute health issue.
Clarity in complexity
Dense policy and environmental health research was translated into clearer, decision-supporting recommendations.
Multi-layered systems design
The strongest solution was not a single intervention, but a coordinated model spanning policy, communication, and community support.
Community-rooted action
The concept recognized that prevention works best when systems are designed around the realities of affected families and neighborhoods.
A clearer policy and program direction for lead exposure prevention in St. Louis
This work translated technical research into a stronger systems concept: one that linked safer demolition practices with education, community engagement, and more proactive prevention support.
Policy brief
A research-backed policy direction focused on lead dust released during demolition and evidence-based prevention practices.
Pilot concept
A CHW-supported model for family education, demolition transparency, and community engagement in high-risk wards.
A path from research to implementation
- Adopt safer demolition policies and dust-minimizing practices informed by national evidence
- Create a clearer process for community notification before demolition activity begins
- Pilot CHW-led prevention outreach for families with children under 6 in high-risk wards
- Measure success through awareness, participation, prevention behaviors, and exposure-risk reduction over time
Policy brief and supporting research
Policy brief
Supporting research
Additional analysis
An early example of how I translate dense information into action
This project strengthened my ability to translate complex, technical information into clear, actionable insights. That skill continues to shape how I design data-informed products and communicate decisions inside complex systems.
It also reinforced a pattern that shows up throughout my work: the most effective solutions often come from connecting policy, services, and communication into a more coherent experience for the people most affected.