[Durham INC] Fw: Health Department Offers Free Lead Screenings all Month

[Melissa Rooney]

Didn't see this on the INC listserv -- maybe I missed it?
FYI -- see below.
Melissa (Rooney)



----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Durham County Government <lists at durhamcountync.gov>
To: mmr121570 at yahoo.com
Sent: Thu, October 14, 2010 4:15:46 PM
Subject: Health Department Offers Free Lead Screenings all Month


 
Durham County Government  Press Release    
Health Department Offers Free Lead Screenings all Month in Recognition of Lead 
Poisoning Prevention Week 2010 


Durham, NC - Throughout the year, the Durham County Health Department's Lead 
Education and Assessment Program (LEAP) works to educate the community about the 
serious effects of lead poisoning.  During National Lead Poisoning Prevention 
Week (NLPPW) 2010, celebrated October 24 through October 30, the County's LEAP 
will focus on increasing awareness of childhood lead poisoning prevention.  

 
This year's NLPPW theme, "Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future," underscores the 
importance of individuals and families testing homes and children for lead 
poisoning and learning how to prevent lead poisoning.
 
Nearly a quarter of a million children living in the United States have blood 
lead levels high enough to cause significant damage to their health, estimates 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Major sources of lead exposure 
among children in the United States are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated 
dust found in deteriorating buildings.  

 
North Carolina Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data (2008) revealed that 14 
children, between the ages 1 and 2, in Durham County had elevated blood lead 
levels.  
 
"The number of children between ages 1-2 with elevated blood lead levels is 
fairly low," said Lakieta Boyd, public health educator for Durham County's 
LEAP.  "We want to keep numbers low and reduce cases of exposure in our 
community."
 
During the entire month of October, and NLPPW 2010, Boyd and Durham County's 
LEAP will raise awareness about the seriousness of lead poisoning by:
 
·         Offering free lead screenings at local daycares, and public schools; 
and
·         Facilitating lead-awareness and hand-washing classes at local 
daycares; and
·         Educating parents about the importance of lead testing at local 
pediatrician offices; and
·         Disseminating lead prevention educational materials throughout the 
County.
 
Boyd advises parents of young children to take the following steps at home to 
protect their families of exposure to lead poisoning:
	1. Get your home tested.  Prior to buying an older home, ask for a lead 
inspection.
	2. Get your child tested. Even if a young child seems healthy, ask their doctor 
to test them for lead. 

	3. Get the facts! The Durham County Health Department can provide parents with 
facts about lead poisoning and helpful information about preventing childhood 
lead poisoning. 

 
For more information about National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and services 
offered by Durham County's LEAP, contact Lakieta Boyd at (919) 560-7842 or via 
email at lboyd at durhamcountync.gov. 



October 14, 2010

Durham, NC - 
###  
 
About Durham County Government
An official news release has just been issued by Durham County.
You may access the news release at the link below:
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=9iy6bddab&et=1103782441835&s=250&e=0019IWiEchgiWtW1zDfd6IC5f2x7u8fS7q7iyTwP8zd4ZnZBIh2hwkwM_cBADaqPNJ2lBHWKhQB10iQ_XOLuGm5qw_NcuLo48qhFNEPor_36Lg86fDeWvGU82zl_dzrF0To

 
Please contact the Public Information Office at (919) 560-0000 or email 
public_information at durhamcountync.gov for information related to news releases.  

Durham County Government
Deborah Craig-Ray
Assistant County Manager
(919) 560-0000
County Manager's Office
200 East Main Street
Durham, NC 27701  Durham County Government
Dawn Dudley 
Public Information Specialist
(919) 560-0008
County Manager's Office
200 East Main Street
Durham, NC 27701       
 
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Durham County Government | 200 East Main Street | Durham | NC | 27701  


      
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