Milwaukee's lead program, once a national leader in the country, fell apart when leadership changed and community relationships died. The city's current approach to prevent lead poisoning can be traced back to the past, when the program failed to be evenly distributed across the city. The issue is particularly acute in Milwaukee due to its history of racial segregation and housing segregation. Data shows that black children growing up in properties near the city's central and north side have higher rates of lead poisoning than White children in other parts of the city, even though the ages of the homes are comparable. The Health Department, the main agency tasked with responding to children with lead poisoning, has allowed 15 years of work to be squandered and $24 million in federal pandemic aid. However, the money runs out this year and department staff and community partners are facing a tipping point. The current period of rebuilding is highlighted by the three-decade decline in Milwaukee’s lead program.