Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
Posted on 10/07/2019
Free Lead Screening Events

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 20-26. To recognize the importance of lead poisoning prevention, there will be multiple events around the city where you can get your child screened for lead poisoning. The St. Joseph County Department of Health and City of South Bend, in partnership with South Bend Medical Foundation, South Bend Community School Corporation and St. Joseph County Public Library are holding these events throughout the month of October at no cost to parents.

Lead screening will be available for all children between one to six years of age; children do not have to attend a South Bend School to participate. Younger siblings of students are especially encouraged to come and receive lead screening.

This screening will provide you with important information about your child’s health. Because nearly 80% of South Bend homes were built before 1978 (when lead paint was banned), there is a high risk of children in our city being exposed to lead. Lead poisoning harms a child's growth, behavior, and ability to learn. Children under the age of 6 are especially at risk because of their stage of brain development. Because people with lead poisoning rarely look or feel sick, a simple blood test is needed to detect it. A small sample is collected from the finger and sent to a laboratory to measure. The Health Department will follow up with anyone who needs additional testing, treatment, or intervention.

Details on all three events in this October Lead Prevention Series are as follows:

  • Kennedy Academy on Thursday, October 10 from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Lasalle Branch Public Library on Wednesday, October 16 from 4-7 p.m.
  • Nuner Fine Arts Academy on Thursday, October 24 from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

At these events, you will be able to have your child(ren) tested and receive important information about local resources to help keep your family lead-safe.

If you have any questions, please contact George Jones at the South Bend Community School Corporation at 574-393-6165 or visit southbendin.gov/leadsafesouthbend/.