Free Lead Screenings At Newark Hospital Amid Health Worries

NEWARK, NJ — University Hospital in Newark will hold a free screening event for adults and children as the city continues to cope with lead water contamination in thousands of local homes.

According to a hospital news release, screenings will be available in the Ambulatory Care Center at 140 Bergen Street in Newark. Screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 17 for residents living in areas serviced by the Pequannock water treatment plant.

Newark residents can learn if they live in the Pequannock service area by visiting www.NewarkLeadServiceLine.com.

An appointment is required and can be scheduled by calling (973) 972-9000. Newark residents will be required to bring proof of address to the screenings and guardians accompanying minor children must bring proof of relationship to the minor.

The hospital plans to hold additional screening events in the future, administrators said.

University Hospital is also providing patients who are discharged from the hospital to a home supplied by the Pequannock water treatment plant with a starter kit, which includes bottled water and clear instructions on how to get more water from the City of Newark.

Following the recommendation of the U.S. EPA, city officials recently told people who live in the Pequannock service area to use bottled water for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula while additional testing of Newark’s water supply continues.

• See related article: Feds Say Use Bottled Water In Newark, Filters Unreliable

“We know that the Newark community is very concerned about their water, and we are committed to providing the health information and services they need to be safe,” hospital CEO Shereef Elnahal said.

“We will continue to work closely with the city and state to support their efforts, including ensuring that community members have knowledge about their level of exposure and what can be done to better protect themselves and their families,” Elnahal said. “Additionally, I want to encourage people who believe they have been impacted to follow up with their primary care physician immediately.”

• See related article: As Newark Grapples With Lead Crisis, What About Local Schools?

University Hospital's screening event comes as the City of Newark continues to offer free water testing to affected homeowners, and free blood testing for children under the age of 6.

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