Wisconsin mother highlights effects of lead poisoning at Democratic National Convention

On Wednesday night, Milwaukee mother Deanna Branch stood before thousands of Democratic delegates to explain the dangers of lead pipes in Wisconsin.

For 11 years, the mother of three has highlighted her family’s health problems. Onstage, she told the country that when her son Aiden was 2 years old, he was hospitalized twice for having high levels of lead in his blood. 

“Lead was everywhere, in our pipes, in our paint and in our soil,” she said.

In a brief speech, she said the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed by the Biden-Harris administration, is removing lead pipes in communities like Milwaukee.

Branch added that if Kamala Harris was elected president, she would ensure “everyone” can drink clean water and in Aiden’s words, “Be lead free superheroes.”

Alongside her, stood Rashawn Spivey of Milwaukee, owner of Hero Plumbing who explained that his company is replacing lead pipes around the city.

“Since (2021), we have replaced more than 1,000 pipes. That was made possible thanks to Vice President Kamala Harris,” he said.

Branch told WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” she was honored to shake hands with Spivey as they continue to work together on the removal of lead pipes. 

“He actually showed me how the lead pipes look and what work it takes to get rid of lead pipes. I’m just excited to be a part of history,” she said. 

Branch said she will continue her work as a member of the Coalition on Lead Emergency to create a lead-safe Milwaukee.

The following has been edited for clarity and brevity

Courtney Everett: Last year, you attended President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address. One year later, you’re in Chicago on the national stage. What does it mean to you to represent Wisconsin families?

Deanna Branch: It means everything to me. My son Aiden will be 12 years old this year. His lead level at the highest was 50. Now it’s down to 6.8 and he is thriving. He is an illustrator from “Aidan: The Lead-free Superhero” book. I’m just so proud of him and how well he speaks and shares his story.

My 1-year-old daughter was born lead-free. My advocacy work has brought me a healthier family, a healthier community. I’m honored to be here (and) actually seeing the work get done.

CE: What do you hope people take away from hearing you speak in Chicago?

DB: I hope that everyone sees that I speak for my community. I’m the voice for every parent who wants the Bipartisan Infrastructure funds to continue to help build our community and get rid of the lead pipes paint and the lead in the soil as well, and just make our communities safer for our generation and our children.

CE: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $83 billion to help identify and replace lead pipes in Wisconsin. What do you know as far as the timeline of that?

DB: I know that the timeline has decreased significantly thanks to our efforts. It was a 40-year plan originally, I think it’s now down to 10 or nine. I’m just happy to see that progress is going to be made, and I’ll be alive to witness the progress being made.

CE: Last year, you told WPR’s “The Morning Show” about your advocacy. How do you feel about the progress now, one year later?

DB: I can see the progress. My children attend work ministry at our church, Hephatha Lutheran, and they are actually learning about air pollution, how it plays into their asthma and triggers their asthma. I’m proud to see that the information is spread in the communities to keep kids more aware of what’s going on in their environment.