RIDOH to offer free lead screenings next week

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health and Attorney General Peter Neronha will host two free lead screening events next week.

The screenings are meant to test for lead poisoning in children between nine months and six years old, and children who are developmentally delayed.

The screenings will be carried out by medical professionals and no medical insurance is required. Families who participate will receive a $50 grocery gift card on a first-come, first-served basis.

The first event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 23 at the Blackstone Valley Community Health Care location at 1000 Broad St. in Central Falls.

The second event will happen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 24 at the Providence Community Health Center at 355 Prairie Ave.

Children in Rhode Island are required to be tested twice by the age of three and early detection of lead poisoning is critical to lowering potential lifelong health effects.

“Childhood lead poisoning is a solvable crisis, but only if we address the problem directly,” Neronha said. “We can do better by our kids, be it through lead screening efforts like these or holding those accountable who put their own profits over the safety of our community members.”

The state General Assembly passed a lead poisoning prevention package last week. The package was introduced at Neronha’s request.

Residents can learn more about lead and lead poisoning at health.ri.gov/lead.