The number of children tested for lead in their blood is well below the standard amount of testing that should be taking place in Marshall County. Health Administrator Christine Stinson and Health Educator Jacob Baylis are submitting a grant application to help get more people tested for blood lead levels.
They explained to the Marshall County Council members on Monday that the reimbursable grant funds, if awarded, will range between $5,000 and $10,000 and will allow for lead assessment, testing, supplies. Baylis said only about six to 10 health departments in the state will be awarded funds for this grant.
About 385 children were tested in the state in 2017 which is incredibly low. Medicaid participants are required to have children tested at 12 months and 24 months old. The general population should have testing done.
Baylis noted that about 63 percent of the homes in Marshall County were built before 1980 and could have lead-based paint. It is a risk factor. Those who live in those homes should be tested for blood lead levels and seeking information about remediation efforts.
The health department purchased a machine last year that tests the level of lead in a person’s blood stream by blood drops from a small finger stick which is a lot faster and easier than earlier methods of testing.
The Marshall County Council members unanimously approved a motion to allow the health department to apply for the lead testing grant funds. The County Commissioners approved a similar request last week. An award announcement will be made later this month.
Stinson indicated that if the health department is not successful in obtaining the grant, they will move forward to increase lead testing in Marshall County.
