"Lead Busters" on the move in Bridgeport
One of the most difficult challenges has been convincing people that a blood test really is in their best interest."
Fairfield, Conn. - When the Southern Connecticut Gas Company joined forces with Fairfield University's School of Nursing last year the goal they had in mind was to provide health screening and lead testing for 3,100 adults, adolescents and school-age children, especially children under age 5.
It has been a daunting task, but Professor Mary Ross, director of the Health Screening and Lead Outreach Project is making progress. One of the most difficult challenges has been convincing people that a blood test really is in their best interest. The program has required extensive educational efforts to reach people at risk and inform them about the dangers of lead poisoning.
To make the program more appealing and understandable to young people, she has used young people from the South End Community Center on Park Avenue in Bridgeport to pose as "Lead Busters." Dressed in white suits and protective masks, they like teaching younger children the importance of health screening.
By making the visits accessible to the community, the School of Nursing schedules screenings at the local public library and community centers.
For more information, please contact Nancy Habetz at 203-254-4000, ext. 2647 or e-mail, [email protected]
RSS