Childhood lead poisoning remains a serious preventable environmental health problem. In New York City, it remains a problem due to widespread presence of deteriorating lead-based paint in most of the city's older housing units. Most lead poisoned children have no symptoms. Therefore, most cases will not be diagnosed and treated unless screening is done. Even though, NY State law requires pediatric providers to screen all children for lead poisoning at ages 1 and 2, not all children are screened. The NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) developed a surveillance system to ensure that all children ages 1 and 2 are screened for elevated blood lead levels. Children identified with elevated lead levels triggers the implementation of the written protocols and policies that include treatment modalities, health education and instruction to parents, reporting to the NYC Department of Health, environmental assessment and follow-up with medical and social services. The facilities are required to report every three months through the QA process on their progress in meeting corporate standards for screening children for elevated lead levels. In 1997, only 40% of children ages 1 and 2 were tested for elevated blood lead levels. In 2000, 93 % of children ages 1 and 2 were tested. All children with elevated lead levels are identified, treated and followed. Through the use of a surveillance system and the quality improvement process, HHC has increased screening, treatment, and follow-up of children ages 1 and 2 with elevated lead levels.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, the participants will be able to identify successful strategies to: (1) ensure that all children ages 1 and 2 are screened; (2) ensure that identified lead poisoned children are treated; and (3) ensure that all children with elevated blood levels are followed-up.
Keywords: Children's Health, Lead
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.