Leadie Eddie Lead Screening

Leadie Eddie Lead Screening Events

SRC's screening targets high-risk, vulnerable, and underserved populations to identify parents for education and outreach. We work to reach parents at community events held at churches, homeless shelters, healthcare providers, day care, pre-schools, and other neighborhood locations.

Blood testing for lead levels is the most effective tool for persuading high-risk families to enroll in lead hazard remediation/reduction programs. By revealing that their child may already be suffering the effects of lead poisoning, test results motivate parents to reduce lead in their environment. The “Leadie Eddie” character appeals to children most at risk for lead poisoning-ages from birth to 6 years. The character draws attention and delivers lead-safe messages, while the mobile van provides space for efficient, private screening. Screening makes it clear to parents that lead-safe housing a personal issue, with a direct impact on the family's well being.

“Leadie Eddie” makes screening fun and easy. Picture the colorful “Leadie Eddie” van pulling into a community event. The 30-foot sky-dancer “Leadie Eddie” undulates in the breeze over the van and, in a kid friendly voice, offers lead-safe messages. “Leadie Eddie” puppet shows introduce kids to the idea of testing.

The testing process provides opportunity for a number of contacts with parents that can help to drive home the need for enrollment in lead reduction programs. Potential contacts include an initial meeting with the parent and child, at which the consent form is signed; at the testing site, where additional information is provided; a follow-up phone call to transmit test results (SRC also sends the test results to the child's primary care physician); a follow-up letter to confirm test results; and an in-home visit to do a preliminary visual assessment.

Our experience in child lead testing has allowed us to deal with potential obstacles prior to implementation of the “Leadie Eddie” screening program. SRC is pleased to provide this valuable service to the community.

Descriptions of our various types of events are as follows:

Screening Event - Free lead testing (a simple finger poke to collect 2-3 drops of blood) to children under the age of six and pregnant women, from our Leadie Eddie mobile blood testing van. Educational materials and information will be available to families about the dangers of lead and strategies that families can take to protect themselves from lead hazards in their home.  Families will also have an opportunity to sign up for free in-home visits that include home lead testing (for homes built before 1978 in which a child under the age of six lives or visits frequently) and receive assistance in applying for grant funds to have lead hazards safely removed from their home.

Presentation Event - Educational materials and information will be available to families about the dangers of lead and strategies that families can take to protect themselves from lead hazards in their home.  Families will also have an opportunity to sign up for free in-home visits that include home lead testing (for homes built before 1978 in which a child under the age of six lives or visits frequently) and receive assistance in applying for grant funds to have lead hazards safely removed from their home.

Booth Event - Educational materials and information will be available to families about the dangers of lead and strategies that families can take to protect themselves from lead hazards in their home.  Families will also have an opportunity to sign up for free in-home visits that include home lead testing (for homes built before 1978 in which a child under the age of six lives or visits frequently) and receive assistance in applying for grant funds to have lead hazards safely removed from their home.

FEBRUARY 2012 SCREENING EVENT CALENDAR

Friday, March 2nd 1p-4p

Summit Academy OIC 935 Olson Memorial Hwy Mpls 55405

Saturday, April 14 2p-4p

Hope Community Center 611 E Franklin Ave Mpls 55404