2020 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Conference

Overview of the Conference

On Wednesday, September 30th, the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services (DPHCS), Leading Education and Awareness on Lead (L.E.A.D.) in Greater Nashua initiate hosted a free virtual conference focused on childhood lead poisoning prevention in the Greater Nashua Public Health Region (GNPHR). As we work to increase blood lead level testing for children under 6 years of age, this conference was intended to empower the GNPHR to increase engagement in initiatives and collaborations aimed at preventing childhood lead poisoning in our community.

Goal

The goal of the 2020 Greater Nashua Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Conference was to educate and engage partners, stakeholder, and community members on the impact of childhood lead poisoning, the importance of childhood blood lead testing, and the next steps we can take to keep our children safe and healthy. 

Objectives

  • To provide an overview of childhood lead poisoning and how it impacts children in our community;
  • To highlight current initiatives related to childhood lead poisoning prevention in the GNPHR; and
  • To share lead poisoning prevention educational opportunities with partners and community members.

Presentations

Welcoming Remarks

Lead Exposure is Entirely Preventable: So why aren't we doing more to protect NH's children, families, and communities?

Snapshot of Childhood Lead Poisoning in NH

  • Presenters:
    • Kathleen Bush, PhD - EPHT Program Manager, NH DHHS DPHS
    • Beverly Drouin - Section Administrator, Healthy Homes and Environment Section, NH DHHS DPHS
  • Description: Kathleen and Beverly's presentation provides a snapshot of childhood lead poisoning prevention efforts in NH. Data from the 2018 Lead Data Briefs is shared as well as collaborative initiatives focused on prevention. Following this presentation, participants will be able to analyze trends in childhood lead poisoning across NH, characterize recent changes in legislation related to childhood lead poisoning prevention, and discuss current childhood lead poisoning prevention strategies across the State.
  • Click here to view the recorded presentation
  • Download a PDF of the presentation here

A Community Approach to Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning

  • Presenters:
    • Charlene Lovett - Mayor, City of Claremont, NH
    • Don Derrick
    • Victor St. Pierre
    • Steve Coombs
  • Description: This presentation provides an overview of Claremont’s status regarding childhood lead poisoning prior to creating a coalition to address the issue, the process of creating the coalition, and the outcomes. Following this presentation, participants will be familiar with a community-based model to address childhood lead poisoning, understand the necessity of collaboration to prevent childhood lead poisoning, and learn approaches to increase screening and prevention.
  • Click here to view the recorded presentation
  • Download a PDF of the presentation here

What Landlords, Realtors, Care Givers & Others Need to Know about SB247 (NH Lead Law)

  • Presenter: Kate Kirkwood - Author, Trainer, and Speaker, Lead Paint Clear and Simple
  • Description: This presentation provides an overview of NH Senate Bill 247 and how it affects medical providers, parents, landlords, realtors, and contractors. Participants will learn the key points of SB247, discuss the future effects of these changes to the law, and determine how the law will affect various stakeholders and their work and liability. 
  • Click here to view the recorded presentation
  • Download a PDF of the presentation here

Economic Burden of Lead Exposure to Our Communities

  • Presenter: Gail Gettens, MS, ECMP - Child Development Specialist and Health Promotion Advisor, NH  DHHS DPHS Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
  • Description: Childhood lead poisoning is a major, preventable environmental health problem.  Lead exposure in young children can lead to developmental delays, lower IQ, behavioral problems, attention deficit disorder, learning problems, language delay, anemia, and damage to the nervous system. This public health problem results in billions of dollars in costs to taxpayers and the government including special education cost, health care costs, and criminal justice system costs. What is the cost of lead exposure in your NH community?
  • Click here to view the recorded presentation
  • Download a PDF of the presentation here

How to Fight Lead Exposure with Nutrition

  • Presenter: Katy Magoon-Fredette, RDN, LD - Registered Dietician, Hannaford Supermarket, Nashua
  • Description: This presentation will discuss how lead exposure has decreased dramatically over the past two decades; however, it is still a concern and a risk that should be taken seriously. Katy will discuss that lead consumption and toxicity can cause learning and behavior problems and how a nutrient rich diet can be used to reduce lead build up and toxicity in the body. Following this presentation, participants will be able to discuss the dangers of lead exposure, identify ways to avoid lead exposure, and identify key nutrients and associated food sources of the same that can reduce rick for lead poisoning.
  • Click here to view the recorded presentation
  • Download a PDF of the presentation here

Point of Care Blood Lead Level Testing in the Pediatric Office: Success Story in Increasing Testing Rates

  • Presenters:
    • Gail Gettens, MS, ECMP - Child Development Specialist and Health Promotion Advisor, NH  DHHS DPHS Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
    • Joe Keene - NE Regional Point of Care Specialist, Meridian Bioscience
  • Description: NH’s blood lead level testing rates (BLL) have historically been very low, but NH pediatric healthcare sites using in-office, point-of-care BLL testing have some of the highest testing rates. Learn how completing blood lead level testing (BLL) in the pediatric and family medicine office, with finger-stick sample, as part of rooming process for all 1 and 2 year old Well Child Check visits, rapidly increases BLL testing rates to ensure compliance with all testing requirements, eliminates costly patient follow up, and allows results to be given to parents before they leave the exam room. This session also includes a demonstration of blood lead level testing with Lead Care II analyzer.
  • Click here to view the recorded presentation
  • Download a PDF of the presentation here

Parent’s 5 Step Guide to Lead Poisoning

  • Presenter: Kate Kirkwood - Author, Trainer, and Speaker, Lead Paint Clear and Simple
  • Description: This presentation will provide an introduction to the problem of childhood lead poisoning suitable for parents and the caregivers who interact with them. Following this presentation, participants will be able to understand where and how children come in contact with lead dust and get poisoned, understand the symptoms and concerns about lead poisoning for children and adults, and learn what laws and resources exist in NH and ME to prevent childhood lead poisoning.
  • Click here to view the recorded presentation
  • Download a PDF of the presentation here

Community Voices Panel: NH Next Steps

  • Presenters:
    • Facilitated by Jessica Hillman, CDC Public Health Associate
    • Dr. Charles T. Capetta
    • Kim Bernard - Chief Public Health Nurse, Nashua DPHCS
    • Carrie Schena – Urban Programs Manager, City of Nashua Community Development Division
    • Rob Crowley - Landlord in Nashua involved with City of Nashua Community Development
    • Elizabeth Hannagan – HFA Home Visitor, Community Action Partnership for Stafford County
    • Beverly Drouin – Section Administrator, NH DHHS DPHS Health Homes & Environment Section
  • Click here to view the recorded presentation

Exhibitors

For More Information: 603-589-4508