FREE Lead Screening
August 8 @ 9:00 am - August 13 @ 6:00 pm
Panhandle Health District is offering its annual free blood lead screening in Pinehurst, Idaho, August 8-13, 2022 (August 8-12 open 9am-6pm and August 12 open 9am-12pm). A blood lead screening is the only sure way to know whether your children have been exposed to lead. The screenings will be held at the Shoshone Medical Center’s Pinehurst Facility (previously the Pinehurst Golf
Course Clubhouse) by appointment. Everyone is encouraged to come in, learn more, and get tested. Children ages six months to six years, living within the Institutional Controls Program boundary will receive the screening at no cost, plus a $50 incentive.
Children older than six are also welcome and can participate at no cost. The screening is done by a simple finger-prick, along with participation in a short lead exposure
questionnaire. It typically takes 15-20 minutes per person with results available right away. If the result shows over 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter or greater, a venous
blood draw is necessary to confirm. It can be performed immediately, on-site. For all results equal to or greater than the 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, PHD recommends the
child’s physician be notified. PHD will also make an appointment for a home visit to test for and attempt to identify the source(s) of the lead.
Lead exposure can cause severe health problems, especially for young children and pregnant women. Heavy metals-contaminated soils are being cleaned up, but people can still come into contact with lead. Lead screenings are not always included in a child’s regular physical. PHD’s efforts to identify levels above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter will allow families, doctors, and communities to act earlier to reduce and eliminate further lead exposure. Call 208-783-0707 to make your appointment.