For 40 years, Children First (formerly Public Citizens for Children and Youth) has advocated on behalf of low-income children and families to protect healthcare coverage for children, organize free days of dental and vison care, and provide an insurance Helpline. Since 1980, the organization has been active in supporting high-quality early childhood education, child care, and the Read By 4th Campaign that seeks to double early literacy rates in Philadelphia. In 2018, PCCY launched the Lead-free Philly Coalition to protect children from the risk of lead exposure in their homes. Pennsylvania has the second highest number of children poisoned by lead nation-wide. In the Philadelphia region, lead poisoning disproportionally affects low-income children of color. PCCY seeks to increase the number of children tested for lead, increase the number of properties tested for lead hazards, and coordinate campaigns to increase funding for lead hazard remediation. Applying a regional approach, the organization works with the Lead-free Philly Coalition, the Lead Task Force in Montgomery County and Delaware County Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition to expand coalition work, advocate for effective regulations and launch effective communication plans in Philadelphia and the counties.