The Shelby County Health Department is observing National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from Sunday to Saturday. During this time, activities and outreach efforts are being conducted to inform the community about lead exposure risks and to highlight progress in prevention. The department is also recognizing families and professionals involved in creating safer environments for children.
The department’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) provides case management, home assessments, and educational outreach to reduce lead exposure risks in the county. Yesterday, Shelby Crossing Public Health Clinic held an educational session for families on lead safety, including prevention tips and information on accessing home assessment services, according to the department’s website.
Today, the focus was on recognition during an exclusive event called the Families That Shine: Lead Prevention Appreciation Brunch, held at Shelby Crossing. At the event, 11 families were honored for their successful efforts in reducing their children’s blood lead levels. Dr. Bruce Randolph, Interim Director and Health Officer of the Shelby County Health Department, emphasized that National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week not only celebrates the progress achieved but also highlights the ongoing work necessary to guarantee that every child in Shelby County grows up in a lead-free, healthy environment.
This week, education remains a priority. Tomorrow, the Cawthon Public Health Clinic will provide on-site education and distribute cleaning supply gift baskets, along with guidance on maintaining lead-safe homes. According to their official website, the primary sources of lead exposure in the region include older homes built before 1978, where lead-based paint and contaminated dust are present, as well as risks from soil, plumbing, and imported products.
These efforts reflect the ongoing need for vigilance regarding lead poisoning, a preventable public health issue that affects children's growth, behavior, and learning. Because no level of lead in the bloodstream is considered safe, the Shelby County Health Department’s CLPPP provides resources for the community’s youngest members. For more information about Prevention Week or the CLPPP’s services, the department advises reaching out directly or visiting their official website.
