Health Department, Purdue Offering Local Lead Testing

The Montgomery County Health Department and the Purdue University Center for Rural and Migrant Health have collaborated to encourage Montgomery County parents to get their children tested for lead poisoning.

Lead is a naturally occurring metal that, when children are exposed through their environment, can cause developmental delays, difficulty learning, and behavioral issues that can be permanent and disabling. (CDC.gov) Testing children and identifying areas of concern, i.e., chipping or peeling paint in homes or buildings built before 1978, water from lead pipes, contaminated soil, or imported items, can provide a plan of action for prevention of further exposure. 

Purdue’s Center for Community Health Empowerment and Learning has provided funding for a team of faculty, students, and staff to conduct research on best practices for communicating health calls to action with the public. Surveys have been conducted and images have been designed by students. Billboards are installed all around Montgomery County, and social media posts will help spread the message. Follow up surveys will follow to measure the messaging success.

Montgomery County Health Officer, Dr. Scott Douglas said, “We are pleased to partner with Purdue University Center for Rural and Migrant Health to increase recommended lead screening of our children in Montgomery County. We hope to increase awareness of lead exposure and decrease the risk to our children.”

Parents and/or caregivers are encouraged to talk to their child’s physician about testing or contact the Health Department to schedule a rapid diagnostic test. The MCHD staff are there to help make the process as painless and helpful as possible. You can schedule an appointment by calling the Health Department clinic at (765) 364-7255.