St. Ann Center to Offer Blood Tests for Lead Exposure

On-site lead testing will soon be available at the Bucyrus Campus Medical Clinic at St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, 2450 W. North Ave. The 53205-53206 ZIP Codes, where the clinic is located, have some of the highest rates of lead poisoning in the city of Milwaukee.

A grant from the Junior League of Milwaukee, to be awarded later this month, will pay for a capillary blood lead test kit.

“The equipment will allow us to screen hundreds of adults and children for elevated lead levels this year,” said Stephanie Ghojallu, co-director of the clinic and a family practice nurse practitioner. “We know this is a major concern for our city right now, so we will also help families deal with lead poisoning and explain how they can be proactive in minimizing their lead exposure.”

An estimated 11.5 percent of Milwaukee children have elevated blood lead levels, often because of chipping, peeling or cracking lead-based paint in older homes. Other sources include contaminated soil and lead laterals, the pipes that carry water from city pipes to individual houses.

Children with even a small amount of lead in their blood can develop learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, decreased muscle and bone growth and behavioral problems. Adults may experience changes in behavior, mood, personality, and sleep patterns, memory loss, weakness and headaches. Lead poisoning is treated by removing the source of lead, ensuring good nutrition, and sometimes by using chelation therapy.

The grant will also cover the cost of an audiometer, allowing the clinic to screen for hearing deficiencies in children. Ghojallu will be awarded the grant at the Junior League’s annual meeting April 30. Details on scheduling an appointment for lead testing will be available soon.

To learn more about the St. Ann Center Bucyrus Campus Medical Clinic and request information about this and other services, visit stanncenter.org/Bucyrus-medical or call (414) 210-2430.