Sunday, February 5, 2023
2/5/2023
Indiana Department of Health Lead and Healthy Homes ProgramCDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Surveillance of Blood Lead Levels in Children CDC-RFA-EH21-2102- Component AAbstract:The Indiana Lead and Healthy Homes Program (LHHP) is located within the Public Health Protection and Laboratory Services Commission of the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). In 2019, IDOH received 84,769 blood lead test results, both venous and capillary tests, from medical providers, laboratories and other public health partners. Of these results, 916, or 1.1%, were considered elevated. These results included tests from 77,807 unique children under age 7 who were tested in Indiana. Of those children, 607 (0.78%) had at least one elevated result, and 196 (0.25%) had a confirmed elevated result with a blood lead result > 10 ?g/dL, or in the city of East Chicago at >5 ?g/dL.Based on the data collected and analyzed, the LHHP emphasizes a geographical targeted community approach to produce the greatest reduction in elevated blood lead levels in Indiana. This community plan approach includes the following components: statistical mapping to predict geographical areas having potentially higher rates of lead hazards and children at-risk; targeted environmental investigation and primary prevention efforts, targeted blood testing of at-risk children, medical management, laboratory support, case management, development of a housing database, development and maintenance of a surveillance database, public and professional education, and community empowerment through resource development.ILHHP has made significant progress in building a solid foundation and comprehensive network of strategic partners throughout the state. These efforts are multiplied through the incredible assemblage of stakeholders accepting to eliminate lead poisoning as a public health concern in Indiana?s children. With the help of our partners, the proposed outcomes of this project are:?Increase d number of children tested for elevated blood lead levels, especially Medicaid?Decreased number of children with elevated blood lead levels ?5ug/dL?Increased partnerships to eliminate lead poisoning as a public health concern?Increased targeted educational activities for healthcare providers and parents?Increased use of surveillance data in programmatic activities and interventions?Improved surveillance and case coordination for children with elevated blood levelsIndiana demonstrates both the need for continued funding and the capacity to meet the challenges facing lead and healthy homes programs in 2021 and beyond. The IDOH LHHP has provided, and with this funding will continue to provide, key programmatic strategies,interventions, and services to strengthen our state?s childhood lead poisoning prevention program. Those valuable services will continue to include improving blood lead screening test rates, identifying high-risk populations through surveillance, and ensuring effective referral and follow-up for children with elevated blood lead levels.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
