I would like to submit my December 4, 2024 health report for consideration for the 2025 Hometown Media Awards, Community Radio Division (under the standard categories producer division). I feel that this health report exemplifies the spirit of the Public Health Programming Category, “programs that educate the public about community health initiatives and aim to prevent disease or injury.” The report run about 6.5 minutes, well under the 8-minute maximum time limit. I have attached my mp3 to this email for your consideration.
This report is an opinion piece that alerts the public to the importance of evaluation of public and residential drinking water since running water was restored in the middle of November after the destruction of the infrastructure by Hurricane Helene at the end of September. Elevated levels of lead were identified in water of some public schools in preliminary testing prior to reopening the schools and allowing the water to be used for drinking and food preparation. The safety of running water is something that we take for granted. Any amount of lead contamination can contribute to many potentially serious and permanent health problems in children and adults.
Buncombe County public health initiatives include:
- Flushing water systems at home and public businesses (particularly in structures built before 1988) for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before consumption daily
- See a health care provider, if there was any exposure to lead in the water in people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have children under 6 years old
- Participating in Asheville’s free lead and copper testing program, particularly in homes built before 1988