The Bunker Hill Medical Monitoring Program is a screening program for individuals previously exposed to lead through mining activities in a Northern Idaho community. Documented blood lead levels (BLL) in the area in the 1970’s were as high as 164 µg/dL. The average BLL for children was 68 µg/dL. Although education and remediation have taken place since that time, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) saw a need for further follow-up on the long term health effects of lead exposure. Through ATSDR funding, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana State University College of Nursing and 10 county health departments are implementing this innovative screening program for residents of MT. The program offers education on long-term health effects of lead exposure, screening for hypertension and renal disease and referrals. By alligning with the existing pediatric lead program in Montana, we have been able to maximize the resources and expertise available in our large rural state. Regional lead coordinators working at the health departments were provided training on the protocols of the program and were updated on the health effects of past exposures. This presentation will discuss program structure, components, obstacles and results with emphasis on the challenges of screening a population 20-25 years post exposure.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the components of the Bunker Hill Medical Monitoring Program (BHMMP) 2. Describe three obstacles the regional lead coordinators have had to overcome in implementing this program 3. Compare and contrast the BHMMP with other lead screening programs.
Keywords: Lead, Environmental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.