News Releases > Oct. 19-25 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week - Free screening events, children’s activities offered locally
ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (October 17, 2008) – Local health and housing agencies are joining together to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure, especially lead paint hazards in and around the home.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is Oct. 19-25. This year's national campaign is titled "Let's Wipe Out Lead Poisoning - Renovate Right!" In Allen County, events will include educational and informational sessions on prevention and elimination efforts for parents and free blood lead tests and activities for young children.
Childhood lead poisoning is considered the number one PREVENTABLE environmental health threat to children, yet an estimated 310,000 children across the United States are lead poisoned. In Allen County, it is estimated that 7,000 children may be at-risk.
The primary cause of lead poisoning in children is exposure to lead-based paint, which is commonly found in homes built before 1978. Although not used in homes anymore, deteriorating lead-based paint creates dust and debris which can settle on toys, windowsills and floors and be easily ingested by children. Children may also be exposed to lead through home health remedies, imported candies or toys.
As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the Allen County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and the City of Fort Wayne’s HUD Lead Hazard Control Grant Program will be offering these education and awareness events:
Monday, October 20- Friday, October 24, 2008
Allen County Public Library (Downtown branch)
900 Library Plaza
Free educational packets
Kool Smiles Dental Clinic
1852 Bluffton Road
See Dusty the Dog, get lead poisoning prevention information and visit the display
Time: 9 -6 p.m.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Tecumseh Branch Library
Story Time with Lucky the Lead Free Lemur
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Kool Smiles
1852 Bluffton Road
Representatives from the local Lead Poisoning Prevention Program will be available to answer questions along with an appearance by Lucky the Lead Free Lemur
Time: 3-6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Little Turtle Branch Library
Story Time with Lucky the Lead Free Lemur
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Pontiac Branch Library
Story Time with Lucky the Lead Free Lemur
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Wayne Township Stand Down
Wayne Township Trustee’s Office
320 E. Superior St.
Free lead screenings and prevention information
Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Free lead screenings for children ages 6 months to 6 years are offered Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Carew Medical Center Super Shot Clinic at 1818 Carew St. and Fridays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Department of Health’s Immunization Clinic on the 5th floor of the City County Building, 1 E. Main St.
About the Allen County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
The CLPP program is a collaborative partnership of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health and the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation. Additional program support comes from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Indiana State Department of Health and the Parkview Community Health Improvement Program. CLPP offers education, screening, environmental assessments and case management services.
CLPP and the City of Fort Wayne received one of three grants awarded in 2006 to Indiana communities by The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address the continuing problem of lead poisoning. The award of $1.89 million will provide financial assistance to help eliminate lead hazards in local housing.
For more information about lead prevention and case management or environmental services, please call the Lead Hotline at (260) 449-8600. To apply for HUD funds to control lead hazards in your home call (260) 427-2127.
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