In Newark: Where Can I Get My Kids Tested For Lead?

Newark, NJ - Newark parents concerned about the elevated levels of lead detected in 30 of the district's schools have several available options for blood testing, city officials announced.

• See related article: Newark Schools Shut Off Water Taps In 30 Buildings: Elevated Lead Found, DEP Says

The Newark Department of Health will provide free, optional blood screenings for children as a precaution for families who have expressed interest, according to a news release.

"If you have a primary care physician, we recommend that you consult with them as a first step," city officials stated on Tuesday.

Students must be accompanied by an adult/guardian that has the authority to provide consent for the lead screening. Patients will be asked to provide insurance information during the registration process.

If the patient is uninsured, the testing will be performed free of charge, city officials stated.

Testing will be conducted at the following locations:

• Tuesday, 3/22/2016 - Belmont Runyon Elementary School - Education Presentation from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM, Screening from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Wednesday, 3/23/2016 - (New) Speedway Academies - Education Presentation from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM, Screening from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Thursday, 3/24/2016 - First Avenue Elementary School - Education Presentation from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM, Screening from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM

In addition to the sites above provided by Newark Public Schools, there are other sites that are available for blood screenings provided by various community organizations.

Participating groups include:

• Rutgers Community Health Center
• St. James Inc.
• Jewish Renaissance
• Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center
• Saint Michaels Medical Center
• University Hospital/Rutgers, New Jersey Cancer Center Pediatric Clinic
• Newark Community Health Center
• Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel

See the full testing schedules for the above locations here.

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