In low-income neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, only one out of every two-hundred homes has been tested for radon.

The testing rate countywide is not much better — it's one out of every thirty-five.

Considering that a radon test kit costs only $5.00, these testing rates are astoundingly low. For the affordable rate of five dollars, a family can prevent the second-leading cause of lung cancer — something none of us can afford.

How Can Your Organization Help Prevent Lung Cancer in Children?

The Healthy Homes Coalition wants to partner with you! In 2007 and 2008, we've partnered with colleges, neighborhood associations and health and human service agencies to encourage more radon testing. These efforts have resulted in radon tests of more than 300 additional homes.

Is there a way that your organization can get help testing your constituents' homes? Healthy Homes can provide the kits and the training for your staff. Testing a home takes no more than 15 minutes and can be done as part of your routine work.

Would you like to promote testing for low-income families with children through our free testing program? We can provide a presentation to your staff or constituents on radon prevention. Think of ways we might be able to collaborate and contact the Healthy Homes Coalition at (616) 241-3300.

Here are some resources for Community Partners:

• Map showing where radon testing is lacking (PDF 144 KB)
  
• Radon Action Plan (PDF 78 KB) (6/28/07)

Some of the organizations we partnered with in 2007 and 2008 to initiate testing in low-income census tracts in Grand Rapids include:

• Asthma Network of West Michigan
• Calvin College
• City of Grand Rapids Housing Rehabilitation Office
• Creston Neighborhood Association
• Garfield Park Neighborhood Association
• Kent County Health Department
• Lighthouse Communities
• Neighbors of Belknap Lookout
• Southwest Area Neighbors
• Strong Beginnnings

To learn more about how you and your organization can join us, contact the Healthy Homes Coalition at (616) 241-3300.