Vanderburgh County Health Department, NAACP to host lead screening event

Sarah Loesch, Evansville Courier & Press
·2 min read

EVANSVILLE — Families interested in learning more about lead exposure, or having their children tested, will soon have the opportunity in Evansville.

The Vanderburgh County Health Department and the NAACP Evansville Branch will host a "Get the Lead Out" event next month to provide families with information on exposure, its consequences and to have their children screened.

Testing will take place on-site. The health department will notify doctors' offices of the results and coordinate with those who attended on follow-up care if results warrant it.

Where and when will the event be?

The event will take place at 6 p.m. June 15 at Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Registration and parental consent is encouraged, according to the release from the health department.

Where can I complete a consent form before the event?

If a family is interested in have their child tested they should complete an online consent form at https://www.cognitoforms.com/VCHD3/CommunityBloodLeadTesting.

Why get screened for lead?

According to the health department, children with elevated lead levels may look and act healthy. That means screening for lead and identifying steps that can be taken to prevent issues in the long-term.

Screening is recommended for all children under 7, and Medicaid requires screening for all participating children at ages 1 and 2. Vanderburgh County health officials said there are still families who may have not been able to get updated testing.

What can lead poisoning cause?

Lead poisoning can result in:

  • muscle pain

  • weakness

  • difficulty concentrating

  • stomach pain

  • constipation

  • anemia

  • seizures

"Lead exposure is potentially devastating especially for young children, whose brain development can be critically harmed by the metal," the health department stated in its release.

Who do I reach out to with questions?

Send questions about the event to Thomas Stratton at 812-550-6180 or Joe Gries at 812-435-2468.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Vanderburgh County Health Department, NAACP to host lead screening