Lead poisoning is a preventable disease that affects 4.4% of US children between 6? months and 6 years of age. In Louisiana, 2004 data shows that 4.33% of the children screened at? public health units and by private providers have elevated blood lead levels. However, Louisiana? continues to have low screening rates. In 2004, only 20.06% of children aged 6 months to 6? years of age were screened thus indicating that a majority of the children have not been reached? through the public health system.? The Louisiana Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (LACLPPP) has been? receiving CDC funding since 1998 and intends to continue working with local and statewide? organizations to curb childhood lead poisoning by increasing screening in high risk populations? and areas, improving knowledge of lead poisoning and facilitating comprehensive medical and? environmental follow-up for lead poisoned children. In conjunction with Tulane University, the? program established a population-based surveillance system to identify high risk areas and target? efforts and resources accordingly. The program also has a statewide tracking system to ensure? that children with elevated blood lead levels receive adequate care.? The grant will support LACLPPP in conducting the following activities: maintaining and enhancing the population based surveillance system by working towards achieving complete and accurate reporting; disseminating a statewide screening plan; conducting primary prevention activities and implementing a statewide health education? plan ; implementing the childhood lead poisoning elimination plan while working with organizations that address lead poisoning; conducting case management for lead poisoned children. The program will continue to work with the City of New Orleans to address lead? poisoning in Orleans parish, Tulane University?s Center for Applied Environmental Public? Health to train community outreach workers for Orleans Parish, Medicaid to ensure that at riskchildren? are screened for lead poisoning, WIC to ensure the screening of children receiving? services through the public health units and private providers to assure that lead poisoned? children receive appropriate case management.?
