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Windham County Lead Hazard Control Program Marks First Year with 388 Lead-Safe Certifications

Contact:
Elisha Underwood
Program Manager
eunderwood@windhamcountyvt.gov
(802) 212-1548

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2026

Free lead-based paint training and certification drives workforce growth, marking a successful first year and setting the stage for future lead hazard reduction grants.

WINDHAM COUNTY, Vt. — The Windham County Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Capacity Building Program has provided 388 free lead-based paint safety certifications since launching in 2024. Participants, including contractors, property owners and property managers, are helping expand lead-safe work across Vermont. Administered through the Windham County Sheriff's Office, the program lays the groundwork for future lead hazard reduction grants in the county.

Training is available to Vermonters and those who work in Vermont through accredited providers. Available certifications include Renovation, Repair, Painting, and Maintenance (RRPM) and Lead Abatement Worker and Supervisor. Through partnerships with Lead-EDU and Evergreen Environmental Health & Safety, eligible participants can have their training cost fully covered at checkout using code LeadSafeVT while grant funds are available.

The Vermont Department of Health Asbestos and Lead Regulatory Program credited the program with driving interest in lead-safe licensing across the state.

"In the first year of this grant, the program's outreach and free trainings have helped increase interest in several Vermont licenses, including RRPM, lead abatement, and lead consulting. The program has also helped us connect with New Hampshire contractors and explore ways to reduce barriers to working in Vermont. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with Windham County," said Amy Danielson, Manager, Vermont Department of Health Asbestos and Lead Regulatory Program.

Sheriff Mark Anderson, who directs the program, said addressing lead hazards aligns directly with his office's commitment to community safety.

"Lead exposure is a serious public health issue that directly impacts community safety, making this work a natural fit for the Sheriff's Office. This initiative develops a workforce that creates jobs and keeps Vermont families safe from the harmful effects of lead. We are proud of our first year but recognize there is real need in our communities. This work sets the stage for future lead hazard reduction grants that will create a stronger, healthier Windham County and a stronger Vermont," said Anderson.

Vermonters can access free lead training and certification through Lead-EDU or Evergreen Environmental Health & Safety by using code LeadSafeVT at checkout.

For more information about the program and upcoming training opportunities, visit https://lead.windhamcountyvt.gov/about/ or contact Elisha Underwood at eunderwood@windhamcountyvt.gov or call (802) 212-1548.

Media Contact:
Emily Gibbs
Outreach and Intake Coordinator
Egibbs@windhamcountyvt.gov
(802) 212-1549

About the Windham County Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Capacity Building Program
The Windham County Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Capacity Building Program is dedicated to improving health and safety conditions in homes throughout Windham County, Vermont. Through funding from HUD, the program aims to reduce childhood lead poisoning, support property owners in managing lead hazards, and strengthen the local workforce through specialized training and certification programs. For training information, visit https://lead.windhamcountyvt.gov/training/ .
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