2025 Midwest Lead Summit

Midwest Lead Summit 2025


Midwest Lead Summit 2025 | Sept. 9, 2025 | Kansas City, MO
In-Person Registration: $34  |  Virtual Registration: Free

Join us for the 2025 Midwest Lead Summit! This gathering, scheduled for September 9th in Kansas City, will bring together public health experts, policymakers, and community leaders to address pressing issues surrounding lead exposure and public health across the Midwest. 

Presenters will include representatives from federal, state, local agencies, and organizations with a focus on the states of Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas.  

  • Engage with leading researchers, including David Cwiertney, Director of the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination at Iowa State University.
  • Hear the latest updates on regional Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs.
  • Discover how to reduce human exposure to lead in soil, particularly in relation to brownfields, lead abatement, and community development, presented by Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi from the K-State Soil and Environmental Chemistry department.
  • Stay updated on efforts to monitor lead levels in drinking water, with a focus on water quality and the latest research on sampling methods.
  • Listen to a conversation about preparing public health professionals with Lynelle Phillips, the Education Director for Public Health in Extension at the University of Missouri.
  • Learn about the latest best practices and policies related to lead health and home safety with Ryan Allenbrand, Environmental Hygienist and Program Manager of the Healthy Homes Program at Children’s Mercy.
  • Participate in a facilitated discussion on overcoming barriers in lead programs, ensuring your voice contributes to future initiatives.
  • And More!

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow lead stakeholders, learn from experts in the field, and explore ways to collaborate on creating safer and healthier communities!

The Midwest Lead Summit will address lead topics in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, but all are welcome to attend! Register to attend in-person or virtually today!

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Agenda

Welcome | 9 - 9:15 am

The Summit Welcome will establish the tone for the day's presentations and emphasize the significance of collaborating across state lines to create a safer, healthier future.

Plenary Speaker | 9:20 - 9:50 am

David Cwiertny, Director, Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination

Join us for an insightful session with David Cwiertny, Director of the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination. Discover the pressing issue of unsafe drinking water from water bottle filling stations and its implications for public health.  

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program & Program Updates | 10 - 10:50 am

Presenters:

  • Teresa Wortmann, RN – Program Manager, Missouri Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Manager 
  • Jessica Willard, Program Manager, Kansas Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Reducing Human Exposure to Lead in Soil  | 10:55 - 11:30 am

Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi, K-State Soil and Environmental Chemistry

Discover how to reduce human exposure to lead in soil, particularly in relation to brownfields, lead abatement, and community development.

Lunch | 11:30 am - 12:15 pm

Join us for a networking lunch! Get to know other lead stakeholders from across the region and help yourself to a catered deli sandwich platter with sides and beverages.

Lead in Water – Updates on Monitoring & Public Health | 12:15 - 12:45 pm

This presentation will offer updates on efforts to monitor lead levels in drinking water, with a focus on water quality and the latest research on sampling methods.

Presenters:

  • Dr. Edward Peltier 
  • Cathy Tucker Vogle

 

Preparing Public Health Professionals with Universities | 12:50 - 1:20 pm

Lynelle Phillips, MPH, RN, Education Director for Public Health in Extension, University of Missouri

 


Break | 1:55 - 2:05 pm

Snacks will be provided duing this quick break.

Lessons Learned from Mississippi’s Sip Safe Program | 2:05 - 2:45 pm

Jason Barrett, PhD, Mississippi State University Extension 

Children’s Mercy Healthy Homes Program | 2:50 - 3:15 pm

Ryan Allenbrand, MS, CIEC, HHS, Environmental Hygienist, Program Manager of Health Homes at Children’s Mercy  

Learn about the latest best practices and policies related to lead health and home safety.

 

Closing Session | 3:20 - 4:00 pm

Participate in a facilitated discussion on overcoming barriers in lead programs, ensuring your voice contributes to future initiatives.

 


This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under a cooperative agreement with the Environmental Finance Center at Wichita State University. The contents of this website do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned.