The Montgomery County Maternal and Early Childhood Consortium (MECC), together with community and county stakeholders, has determined that lead poisoning is a priority for collaborative action for 2019. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children at age 1 and 2 be screened for lead poisoning, regardless of risk.
Montgomery County statistics from 2017 show the following:
- According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) 2017 Childhood Lead Surveillance Annual Report, 17,290 children ages 0 to 23 months resided in the county, and 30% of that population was tested for lead poisoning.
- Lead paint was used in homes built prior to 1978; two out of three homes in Montgomery County were built prior to 1978.
Community stakeholders have created a workgroup to address this issue. The workgroup is convening as a subcommittee of the MECC but builds on leadership and initiatives from the stakeholders around the table, including Montgomery County’s Office of Public Health’s Lead Programs, Pennsylvania Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY)’s ongoing regional advocacy around Lead Poisoning, and Maternity Care Coalition’s advocacy and practice to ensure all children are tested.
The purpose of the Lead Task Force is to decrease the percentage of children in Montgomery County who are poisoned by lead by:
a) Increasing the percentage of children who are tested twice between ages 0 and 23 months in Montgomery County; and
b) Reducing the number of properties in Montgomery County that are lead-poisoned.
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!
We are looking for community members, parents, health professionals, educators, faith community members, and others to join with us to make sure all young children in Montgomery County are screened for lead poisoning. If you would like to be part of the outreach team, or if you would like more information, please send an email to MECC@montcopa.org.
Resources
Office of Public Health Lead Program