City of Grand Rapids issued the following announcement on Feb 17.
A long-time community advocate for healthier conditions in children’s homes will now help advance the City of Grand Rapids’ efforts to reduce childhood lead poisoning. Paul Haan, the founding executive director at Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan, is the new lead programs specialist with the Community Development Department.
In this new position, Haan will provide dedicated support to help achieve strategic plan, and community development and code compliance outcomes in reducing childhood lead poisoning. He will initially focus on opportunities to address lead-based paint hazards in residential rental properties and participate in county-wide initiatives. Haan’s work will focus on policy changes related to lead-based paint hazards, conducting stakeholder engagement, and implementing adopted policies and programs. He will serve as staff liaison to various city departments and programs, outside agencies and other governmental units.
Haan served as the project coordinator for the Get The Lead Out! community collaborative that began in 2001 at the Aquinas College Community Leadership Institute and included the City. After five years of successful community partnerships, he continued to be a consistent and effective partner with the City at the Healthy Homes Coalition. He also served on the State’s Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission, being appointed by both Governor Snyder and Governor Whitmer.
“As a strong advocate and leader, Paul has been in the forefront of this work in our community and throughout the State of Michigan for 20 years,” Connie Bohatch, managing director of community services, said. “I am happy to have him aboard, and even happier to have dedicated resources for this important work.”
Haan said he is driven by sustainable strategies that protect the environment and promote human health through effective collaboration and community building.
“The City’s commitment toward that end is why I’m excited to join the team at the City,” Haan said. “Healthy people and healthy places start with healthy relationships. Together we can make Grand Rapids an equitable community where all home environments are safe and people continue to thrive.”
Haan holds a bachelor’s degree from Calvin University with majors in communications and philosophy, a minor in English, and postbaccalaureate in secondary education. He began his career as the community organizer at Creston Neighborhood Association and after seven years became its executive director in 1995.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Grand Rapids
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