Last week’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Week event at the Community Affairs Resource Center (CARC) brought together residents, advocates, and health professionals with a shared goal: ensuring every family in Freehold Township and Monmouth County can live and thrive in a healthy environment.

Hosted in partnership with local and state health departments, this event offered residents direct access to lead testing, mental health and substance abuse resources for children, and public health representatives ready to answer questions and connect people with services. Events like this were held throughout the state and across the land. It was a powerful reminder that public health and ecosystem health are interrelated.

Waterspirit’s Public Policy & Justice Organizer Chairs the Water Advocacy Committee of Lead Free NJ, a statewide collaborative effort to eliminate lead from our consumption and keep water clean, affordable and accessible to all. There is no safe level of lead. From the perspective of our water advocacy work, the day reinforced how deeply water connects every story. Our staff—speaking both English and Spanish—had the privilege of meeting residents, some who are faith community members, and took in their lived experiences. One church, we learned, has been repeatedly flooded, highlighting an opportunity to explore green infrastructure, such as a rain garden.

These conversations showed the importance of storytelling across languages and experiences. When community members share their realities, they help shape the next steps toward cleaner water, safer homes, and a healthier Monmouth County. We are grateful to our friends at CARC, the NJ Department of Health and all who partook.

Together, we are building a lead-free and water-smart community—one story at at time. Connect with us to learn more and consider becoming a Waterspirit volunteer.

Check out some photos from the event here!