Health commissioner calls Milwaukee s lead crisis imperative
MATT MARTINEZ of Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
July 23, 2021
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MILWAUKEE (AP) In a wide-ranging interview with NNS, new Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson said her top priority is tackling the city’s ongoing lead crisis, which she called “the pandemic before the pandemic.”
Johnson, who joined the department in March, said although the COVID-19 pandemic remains a challenge, she also wants to begin reversing policies that have worsened health outcomes for the city’s Black and brown residents. This includes the city’s lead abatement program that focuses on removing lead from pipes, paint and soil in the city.
Commissioner Johnson said she can fix department s troubled lead program. //end headline wrapper ?>Get a daily rundown of the top stories on Urban Milwaukee
Milwaukee Health Department Commissioner Kirsten Johnson speaks at a news conference earlier this month on door-to-door vaccinations. Photo provided by Milwaukee Health Department/NNS.
In a wide-ranging interview with NNS, new Milwaukee Health Commissioner
Kirsten Johnson said her top priority is tackling the city’s ongoing lead crisis, which she called “the pandemic before the pandemic.”
Johnson, who joined the department in March, said although the COVID-19 pandemic remains a challenge, she also wants to begin reversing policies that have worsened health outcomes for the city’s Black and brown residents. This includes the city’s lead abatement program that focuses on removing lead from pipes, paint and soil in the city.
The bill signed on Wednesday also states, “the pregnant woman is responsible for the costs related to the final disposition of the fetal remains at the chosen location.”
Those who are found to have failed to meet the requirements defined in the bill are subject to face, “a misdemeanor of the first degree.” If cremation is chosen as the form of disposal then the remains must either be placed in a grave, crypt, or niche or scattered in a dignified manner.
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Laurel Powell of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio told local ABC-affiliate News 5 the law was not necessary.
“This is honestly just a familiar ploy by these lawmakers who use the chaos of the end of year session to try and pass these unpopular bills,” Powell told the news station. “Studies have repeatedly shown that the majority of Ohioans support access to safe and legal abortion care.”