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Portland Water Bureau (XLC)XLC Logo

March 13, 1997
Updated Description of the Home Lead Hazard Reduction Component of the Lead Hazard Reduction Program
 
In early March 1997, a decision was made to implement the Home Lead Hazard Reduction Component through the Multnomah County Health Department with an AmeriCorps program called CLEARCorps (Community Lead Education and Reduction). This attachment includes a description of how the CLEARCorps program will be implemented in Portland, and should be considered an updated description of the Home Lead Hazard Reduction Component. 

OPERATING SITE BUDGET NARRATIVE

Multnomah County Oregon Department of Health (MCHD)

Environmental Health Section

Portland, OR

 

A. Member Support Costs

At the Portland site of the CLEARCorps, 8 full-time AmeriCorps Members will be engaged. Because CLEARCorps requires skilled AmeriCorps members, and because living costs in Portland are substantially higher than the national average 1 , CLEARCorps will provide a living allowance above the minimum stipend 2. CLEARCorps members in Portland will receive a $9,175 3 living allowance. The team leader will receive a $11,835 4 living allowance, and the assistant team leader will receive a $ 10,275 5.

Also included in member support costs are FICA (7.65%), Worker's Compensation (0.65%), and the AmeriCorps participant health care policy at $924 per member.

The Portland CLEARCorps site's member support budget is $90,956. A Corporation share of 71% is requested ($64,791). MCHD will provide a 29% cash match ($26,165), overmatching the 15% required minimum.

B. Other Member Support Costs

CLEARCorps members will receive training through the Western Regional Lead Training Center (WRLTC) at Oregon State University. All 8 CLEARCorps team members will complete the 2-day lead worker training class, at a cost of $325 per person member. The CLEARCorps team leader and assistant team leader will also complete the 5-day lead abatement training for supervisors and contractors, at a cost of $750 per person. The total cost of this training is $4100, and will be covered by MCHD and/or as an in-kind donation of services by the WRLTC.

See parent organization budget for other member costs.

C. Staff

The CLEARCorps program in Portland will operate through the Environmental Health Section of the Multnomah County Oregon Health Department (MCHD). A Site Director (Chris Johnson; 0.25 FTE) and Site Supervisor (Larry Ehrbar; 0.5 FTE) will be responsible for the program's supervision and coordination. Additional technical support to the CLEARCorps team for home lead risk evaluation will be provided by a licensed lead risk assessor (Henry Rogers; 0.50 FTE). The total cost of these MCHD staff salaries and benefits total $69,478. A Corporation share of 19% is requested ($13,039). MCHD will provide a 81% cash match ($56,439), overmatching the 33% required minimum.

Larry Ehrbar, Site Supervisor, will also complete the 5-day lead abatement training for supervisors and contractors through the WRLTC, at a cost of $750. This cost will be covered by MCHD and/or as an in-kind donation of services by the WRLTC.

See parent organization budget for other staff training costs.

D. Operating Costs

Travel: The $1500 request to the Corporation for travel will allow for two visits to other sites of the program for technical assistance and information exchange. Travel costs are calculated at $450 per round trip airfare, and include hotel, meals, and other expenses, at a rate of $150 per day, with trips lasting average of two days per visit.

Supplies: The budget for supplies includes:

AmeriCorps service gear $32 per member,

8 members

 $256 100% cash match from MCHD
Printed educational materials 10,000 pieces,

$0.15 per piece

 $1500 100% cash match from MCHD
Lead in soil tests 350 samples, $10 per sample

(350 homes, 1 sample per home, 1 time)
$3500		 100% cash match from MCHD
Lead in water tests 350 samples, $10 per sample

(350 homes, 1 sample per home, 1 time)

 $3500 in kind donation from Portland Water Bureau
Cleaning

and painting supplies (not including paint)

 for 75 homes, $20 per home $1500 100% cash match from MCHD

We anticipate the need for 3400 lead in dust tests (for risk evalution: 350 homes, 4 samples per home, 1 time; for post-remediation sampling: 75 homes, 4 samples, 2 times - immediately following and and 6 months after remediation), and that this need can be met through an in-kind donation arranged by the parent organization.

We also anticipate that paint required for remediation of 75 homes will be donated from local vendors through an arrangement with the parent organization.

Funding for supplies necessary for remediation beyond specialized cleaning, paint surface repair, and repainting are not currently included in the budget. If, during the program, the need for additional remediation activities such as encapsulation becomes apparent, MCHD will work with cooperating organizations, including the Portland Water Bureau, to meet those needs.

The total Portland budget for supplies is $10,256, which will be covered by MCHD with cash and in- kind donations.

Local transportation: The budget for local transportation is $2484, based on the MCHD rates of $0.24 per mile, 250 miles per week for 35 weeks, and $48 per month for 8 months. This cost will be covered as a 100% cash match by MCHD.

Equipment: We anticipate that budget needs for small equipment (such as personal protective gear, ladders, paint brushes, etc.) will be met with a $2000 donation by Home Depot Inc. arranged by the parent organization.

The CLEARCorps program will seek local support in the form of in-kind donations from businesses and organizations for use of a van, computer, and 2 large HEPA vacuum cleaners.

Other: The CLEARCorps program will also seek community support in the form of donated office/storage space for CLEARCorps operations.

Although we anticipate a contribution of non-paid community volunteer effort, the operating budget will include some funding to compensate community-based organizations and/or individuals for CLEARCorps program support as necessary. No Corporation share is requested for these funds as this cost will be covered as a 100% cash match by MCHD.

E. Internal Evaluation

Evaluation of the Portland CLEARCorps program will be conducted the Program Design and Evaluation Services Group of MCHD and OHD. Evaluation will be conducted by PDES Director Dr. Mike Stark (0.25 FTE), a research analyst (0.25 FTE), and an administrative specialist (0.25 FTE) The total cost of these MCHD staff salaries and benefits total $67,492. The evaluation budget also includes $484 dollars for local travel (30 miles per week at 31 cents per mile), and $11,742 in overhead charges. The total evaluation budget is $79,718.

No Corporation funds are requested for internal evaluation. The cost will be covered by MCHD as a 100% cash match.

F. Administration

The cost of administration is estimated at $8,337, which represents 12% of MCHD staff salaries and benefits. No Corporation share is requested for these funds as this cost will be covered as a 100% cash match by MCHD.

J. Child Care

Portland CLEARCorps anticipates having child care needs for 4 children of Corps members.

K. Education Awards

The 8 members of the Portland CLEARCorps team will all be eligible for Education Awards in the amount of $4,725 each, for a total of $37,800.
 
 



Americorps National Direct Grant Application

OPERATING SITE NARRATIVE

Multnomah County Oregon Department of Health (MCHD)

Environmental Health Section

Portland, OR

A. Getting Things Done

The overall purpose of the Portland CLEARCorps program is primary prevention of significant lead risk exposures from lead-based paint to children in their home environments. This program will operate in targeted Portland neighborhoods in which children are likely to be at greatest risk for home lead exposure.

The specific service activities to performed by CLEARCorps members are anticipated to include:

The need for this kind of program was identified in series of workshops sponsored by the City of Portland Bureau of Water Works. The Water Bureau sought advice from local organizations involved in lead exposure issues to determine how it could best contribute to reducing lead hazards in the community as an innovative component of its regulatory compliance program. The idea was to build on existing programs and not duplicate other efforts in the community. The Water Bureau will provide the matching funds for operation of the Portland CLEARCorps program.

The most active local organizations in lead poisoning prevention are the Multnomah County Health Department (MCHD) and the Oregon Health Division (OHD). Medical laboratories in Oregon are required to report cases of elevated blood lead levels to the OHD. MCHD follow-up investigations indicate that in the majority of these cases, lead-based paint is the likely source of exposure. As part of the CDC-sponsored Oregon Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OCLPPP), blood lead level screening of children is conducted in Multnomah County. These data show a strong positive relationship between occurrence of elevated blood lead levels and age of home. About 1 of 6 children tested who were living in homes built before 1930 had elevated blood lead levels equal to or grater than 10 ug/dL, the lower level of concern identified by the CDC. The OCLPPP data also suggest that some subpopulations may be at higher than average risk, including children 2-3 years old, and African-American and Hispanic children.

The OHD has developed an index to estimate the relative risk of lead exposure in the home environment in Multnomah County neighborhoods. The index makes use of 1990 census data for variables including the percentage of housing units built before 1950, the percentage of rental housing units built prior to 1950, and the percentage of children less than 6 years of age living in poverty. The neighborhoods with the greatest lead exposure risks are located predominantly in north/northeast Portland.

The CLEARCorps program in Portland will operate through the Environmental Health Section of the Multnomah County Oregon Health Department (MCHD). A Site Director (Chris Johnson; 0.25 FTE) and Site Supervisor (Larry Ehrbar; 0.5 FTE) will be responsible for the program's administration and supervision. Additional technical support to the CLEARCorps team for home risk evaluation will be provided by a licensed lead risk assessor (Henry Rogers; 0.50 FTE). The CLEARCorps team will consist of 8 members, including a Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader. The program's direction will be guided and progress evaluated by a Review Team consisting of representatives from state and county public health agencies and representatives from the community, including

Chris Johnson, Larry Ehrbar, Henry Rogers, and CLEARCorps team members will also substantially contribute to the on-going review of program planning and implementation.

The CLEARCorps team will work from a "field office" in or near the neighborhoods in which the team is working. This office will serve as a location for team coordination meetings, for storing equipment and supplies, and for conducting CLEARCorps office tasks.

[Parent Organization will describe how 'service sponsors" and 'host sites" will be prepared and supported.]

b. Strengthening Communities

As described above, the overall objective of the Portland CLEARCorps program is primary prevention of significant lead risk exposures from lead-based paint of children in their home environments. This program will operate in targeted Portland neighborhoods in which children are likely to be at greatest risk to home lead exposure. An index developed by the OHD indicates that the neighborhoods with the greatest risks are located predominantly in north and northeast Portland.

The CLEARCorps program will strengthen the community by

The CLEARCorps program in Portland will operate through the Environmental Health Section of the Multnomah County Oregon Health Department (MCHD). The CLEARCorps program's direction will be guided and progress evaluated by a Review Team consisting of representatives from state and county public health agencies and representatives from the community. The Water Bureau will provide the matching funds for operation of the Portland CLEARCorps program as a component of its Lead Hazard Reduction Program. This program was designed to build on the existing OCLPPP and does not duplicate other efforts in the community. In fact, formative discussions about the Lead Hazard Reduction Program and the CLEARCorps program have lead to increased awareness of other possibilities for community cooperation on lead and related health issues. For example, a program to reduce African-American infant mortality rates funded MCHD, OHD, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation Institute and conducted locally by MCHD will be operating in some of the same neighborhoods, in similar time frames, and with a similar community mobilization strategy as the CLEARCorps program. Other possible opportunities for cooperation could include projects potentially funded by HUD for lead-paint abatement, by the CDC for primary prevention of lead exposures, and by the EPA for community lead education.

Community involvement and support from community-based organizations, businesses, and individuals will be critical to the success of the CLEARCorps program. We anticipate that the community will provide valuable advice and assistance in program development, implementation, and review. The Water Bureau will sponsor a process to identify community stakeholders. Also, the CLEARCorps program will also seek community support in the form of in-kind donations from local businesses and organizations for such items as office/storage space, major equipment including a van, computer, HEPA vacuum cleaners, tools and supplies, and training. The CLEARCorps Site Director, Site Supervisor, and team leaders will be primarily responsible for developing this support.

The Portland CLEARCorps team will meet members of other AmeriCorps programs in the Portland area to share program goals and experiences, and develop mutually beneficial working relationships.

c. Developing Members

Members: Eight full-time members CLEARCorps members will be recruited. Desired characteristics for CLEARCorps members would include a strong commitment to community service, a willingness to develop and apply several types of skills required to implement the CLEARCorps program, and ability to work dependably and cooperatively as part of a CLEARCorps team. [Parent organization will describe any other minimum qualifications or specialized skills.]

Recruitment efforts would be coordinated by the Site Director. Recruitment would be conducted with the intent of building a team that reflects the ethnic diversity of these neighborhoods which are among the most ethnically diverse in the city. African-Americans comprise about 10% of the population in north Portland, about 40% of the population of northeast Portland, and in some neighborhoods in these areas, 60% or more of the population. A team whose members also represent a diversity of gender, age, educational backgrounds, experience, and skills and interests related to the CLEARCorps program is also desirable.

Emphasis will be placed on recruiting members who have existing ties to the neighborhoods in north/northeast Portland in which the CLEARCorps team will be working, although Members will also be recruited from the larger Portland metropolitan area, and the nation. Local recruitment efforts will be conducted through educational institutions, community organizations, employment and welfare offices within the targeted neighborhoods and the metropolitan area. In order to develop ties with the Americorps program, we will make use of the national recruitment referral system to recruit 1 or more team members. The MCHD, the OHD, and representatives from the community organizations will provide input in the selection of CLEARCorps team members.

To foster a sense of civic responsibility and esprit de corps, part of the members local orientation will include becoming aware of the neighborhood history and the very real nature of their contributions to public health.

CLEARCorps members will receive training through the Western Regional Lead Training Center at Oregon State University. All CLEARCorps team members will complete the 2-day lead worker training class. The team leader and assistant team leader will also complete the 5-day lead abatement training for supervisors and contractors; recommended prerequisites include 1 year experience as a lead worker or years experience in the building trades or as an environmental technician. [Parent organization will describe other training it provides.]

Approximately 10% of members service time will be spent on individual member development. A member development coordinator will work with CLEARCorps members to design and implement team and individual personal development plans. These plans may include education or career planning and development, or exploration of other interests related to community service.

D. Organizational Capacity

The CLEARCorps program in Portland will operate through the Environmental Health Section of the Multnomah County Oregon Health Department (MCHD). The MCHD has over 800 employees working in 9 divisions, and an operating budget of about $88 million dollars. About 19% of the MCHD's operating budget comes from state and federal grants. The mission of the MCHD is to:

The CLEARCorps program will be located in the Environmental Health Section of the Disease Prevention and Control Division at MCHD. As a participant in the OCLPPP, the MCHD provides services for lead exposure risk assessment and reduction. Specifically, informational and related resources are provided to both the parents/guardians of children with elevated blood lead levels and the general public. Environmental testing for lead in paint, dust, soil, water, and other sources may be done. Blood lead testing is performed at all county primary care facilities through WIC/Medicaid and CareOregon programs. Support and consultative services are shared with the Oregon Health Division and other counties. Primary funding for the OCLPPP is through a grant by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC).

In 1995, an AMERICORPS program, the Neighborhood GreenCorps spent 4 months working with the OCLPPP conducting educational activities for primary prevention of lead poisoning.

Chris Johnson will be the CLEARCorps Site Director (0.25 FTE). Chris has been the program director for the OCLPPP since January, 1993. He was a key player in the process that resulted in the Oregon Legislature passing certification and accreditation legislation that meets the requirements of the Federal Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. He has also served on various EPA-sponsored committees both nationally and regionally. Larry Ehrbar will be the CLEARCorps Site Supervisor (0.5 FTE). Larry has worked as an outreach worker with the OCLPPP for over 18 months, and has 5 years previous as an HIV outreach worker. Larry is very experienced in working with community and neighborhood organizations. Henry Rogers will provide technical support to the CLEARCorps team in conducting the home lead risk evaluations (0.5 FTE). Henry is a registered sanitarian, a licensed lead risk assessor, has worked the OCLPPP since its inception, and has been involved in dozens of environmental follow-ups of children with elevated blood lead levels.

E. National Identity

[Parent organization will describe Portland CLEARCorps members will experience a strong sense of identification with the national AmeriCorps network; how the program will comply with the national training requirements in CPR, communication skills, and conflict resolution]

In order to make the Portland community aware that CLEARCorps is an AmeriCorps program, all printed materials describing the Portland CLEARCorps program will indicate that it is an AmeriCorps program. Also, the Portland CLEARCorps logo that will appear on items such as the office door, van, member uniforms, will also reference the AmeriCorps program.

F. Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

The Portland CLEARCORPS Program objectives for Getting Things Done, Community Strengthening, and Member Development Objectives are outlined on the attached forms. The evaluation of progress towards these goals will be conducted by the parent organization.

The Portland CLEARCORPS program also includes extensive evaluation activities to address local risk assessment needs, including:

In addition, we will examine the factors associated with families who accept/decline free blood lead testing for their children, and the attributes of children with elevated blood lead levels, including their families, homes and neighborhoods. We will also evaluate the implementation of a community mobilization to support the CLEARCORPS program.

The evaluation will add to the universal fund of knowledge about home lead hazards because it will address several areas where additional data is needed. In particular, information is generally lacking on the effectiveness of lead hazard interventions 1) that attempt to prevent elevated blood lead levels before they occur 2) among children with blood lead levels <= 20 ug/dL and 3) beyond 1 year following the intervention.

Evaluation of the Portland CLEARCORPS program will be conducted the Program Design and Evaluation Services Group of MCHD and OHD, directed by Dr. Michael Stark. PDES will assist in the formulation and implementation of the Portland CLEARCORPS program, and in the determination of the program's outcomes. The program's direction will also be guided by a Review Team consisting of representatives from state and county public health agencies and representatives from the community.

See parent organization narrative regarding the collection of demographic data on AmeriCorps Members and program activities and assurances that the program will cooperate in national activities.

G. Cost Effectiveness and Sustainability

The CLEARCorps program in Portland will operate through the Environmental Health Section of the Multnomah County Oregon Health Department (MCHD). MCHD operates the CDC-sponsored Oregon Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OCLPPP). The CLEARCorps program's direction will be guided and progress evaluated by a Review Team consisting of representatives from state and county public health agencies and representatives from the community.

This program, funded by the Portland Water Bureau as part of its Lead Hazard Reduction Program, was designed to build on the existing OCLPPP and does not duplicate other efforts in the community. In fact, formative discussions about the Lead Hazard Reduction Program and the CLEARCorps program have lead to increased awareness of other possibilities for community cooperation on lead and related health issues.

The Portland Water Bureau will provide the matching funds through MCHD for operation of the Portland CLEARCorps program as a component of its Lead Hazard Reduction Program.

The Portland CLEARCorps site's total budget for member support (Item A on Operating Site Budget Form) is $90,956. MCHD will provide a 29% cash match ($26,165), overmatching the 15% required minimum.

The Portland CLEARCorps site's total program operating costs (excluding member support costs, Items B-F on Operating Site Budget Form) ) is $176,623. MCHD will provide a 91% cash match ($161,334), overmatching the 33% required minimum.

The Portland CLEARCorps site's total operating site budget is $267,579. MCHD will provide an overall 70% cash match ($187, 499). A Corporation share of 30% ($80,080) is requested, with a Corporation cost per member of $10,010.

Community involvement and support from community-based organizations, businesses and individuals will be critical to the success of the CLEARCorps program. We anticipate that the community will provide valuable advice and assistance in program development, implementation, and review. The Water Bureau will sponsor a process to identify community stakeholders. Also, the CLEARCorps program will also seek community support in the form of in-kind donations from local businesses and organizations for such items as office/storage space, major equipment including a van, computer, HEPA vacuum cleaners, tools and supplies, and training.

The Portland Water Bureau has committed to funding this program, or one that is designed with similar objectives and activities, for a minimum of 3 years. During this period, much will be learned about the local occurrence of home lead exposure risks and cost­effective ways to reduce those risks. This base of knowledge and experience will allow local public health agencies and community organizations to work together to develop the resources for sustained primary prevention of lead exposure in the Portland area.

OPERATING SITE OBJECTIVES: Community Service (Getting Things Done)

PORTLAND, OREGON

The overall purpose of the Portland CLEARCORPS program is to provide primary prevention of significant lead risk exposures from lead-based paint to children in their home environments. This will be accomplished with the following objectives:

Objective 1: In targeted neighborhoods, develop community awareness of childhood lead poisoning and availability of CLEARCORPS services.

Activity (service activity being evaluated):
CLEARCORPS contacts organizations, businesses, agencies, and individuals in targeted neighborhoods to develop awareness of childhood lead poisoning and develop support for the CLEARCORPS program. 
Result (what change the prescribed activity will produce):
Community has increased awareness of childhood lead poisoning and CLEARCORPS services are known and welcome in the targeted neighborhoods 
Measure (method to determine if change occurs):
Track the number of organizations, businesses, agencies, and individuals in targeted neighborhoods who make commitments to develop awareness of childhood lead poisoning and/or availability of CLEARCORPS services, and the nature of those commitments.
Standard (level of success hoped to achieve)Most contacted organizations, businesses, agencies and individuals contacted make such commitments
Beneficiaries (number of people activity will serve):Parents and children in targeted neighborhoods

Objective 2: In targeted neighborhoods, provide parents with information about lead-safety issues and nature and levels of lead risks present in their particular home.

Activity (service activity being evaluated):
Work with parents in the home to develop awareness of childhood lead poisoning with 1) in-home education, 2) an evaluation of the lead risk present in their home by household dust testing and other means; and 3) child blood lead testing through the OCLPPP.
Result (what change the prescribed activity will produce):
Parents will be aware of lead-safety issues, the risk of lead exposure in their home, and their child's blood lead level. MCHD will analyze home lead risk evaluation data so that the community can develop optimal approaches to primary prevention of lead exposures.
Measure (method to determine if change occurs):
Track the number of housing units that accept CLEARCORPS in-home services, the type of services actually provided (in-home education and/or home lead risk evaluation and/or child blood lead testing); and communication of test results to parents. MCHD provides regular data evaluation reports
Standard (level of success hoped to achieve)If standard met, about 350 home lead risk evaluations completed
Beneficiaries (number of people activity will serve):Increase in "lead-safer" housing stock in targeted neighborhoods.

Objective 3: Increase in lead-safer housing stock in targeted neighborhoods.

Activity (service activity being evaluated):
In homes where lead exposure risks are identified, provide cost-effective risk reduction activities, including specialized cleaning, repainting, and using encapsulant products
Result (what change the prescribed activity will produce):
Less risk of in-home lead exposure due to lead-based paint
Measure (method to determine if change occurs):
Measure dust lead levels after remediation and compare to pre-remediation levels
Standard (level of success hoped to achieve)Housing units meet State standards for lead in household dust
Beneficiaries (number of people activity will serve):People living in at least 75 housing units

Objective 4: Sustain lead hazard reduction in remediated housing stock

Activity (service activity being evaluated):
education and motivation of property owners/tenants to maintain lead-safe in-home environments
Result (what change the prescribed activity will produce):
Housing units continue to meet State standards for lead in household dust
Measure (method to determine if change occurs):
Measure dust lead levels at 6 months and 18 months after remediation
Standard (level of success hoped to achieve)Housing unit continue to meet State standard for lead in dust
Beneficiaries (number of people activity will serve): People living in remediated housing units

Community Strengthening

Objective 3:

Increasing knowledge about the occurrence of home lead exposure risks in the Portland area so that the community can

Activity: MCHD will analyze home lead risk evaluation data

Result: Periodic reports

Measure: Availability to the community

Standard: Analysis is useful to the community to develop optimal approaches to primary prevention of lead exposures.

 

References

1 ACCRA Cost of Living Index for 3rd Quarter, 1995: Composite Index in Portland 109.1; Housing Index in Portland 124.8; National Average 100.0

2 Average annual subsistence allowance to VISTAs is $8,340 per year in 1997

3 $8,340 * 1.1= $ 9175 (approx)

4 Approx 29% increase above basic team member allowance of $9175, as for other CLEARCorps sites

5 Approx 12% increase above basic team member allowance of $9175, as for other CLEARCorps sites

 

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