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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Daniel J. Kruger, PhD¹, Lauren Shirey, MPH², and Kimberly A. Noble, RN, BSN². (1) Prevention Research Center, University of Michigan, 1420 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, (734) 936-4927, djk2012@gmail.com, (2) Genesee County Health Department, 630 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502-1525

The Greater Flint Lead Safe Children Program (GFLSC) was designed to increase the proportion of African Americans under 6 years in the 48505 ZIP Code who are tested for lead. This area is a State-designated high risk area for childhood lead poisoning and is also home to the largest concentration of African American children in Flint. The GFLSC is conducting an outreach and education campaign to households and physician offices within 48505 and collaborates with the MDCH Medicaid Program to ensure lead testing opportunity. In 2003, only 14.6% of children under 6 years and 21.7% of children ages 1 and 2 years in 48505 had a blood lead level test and 3.0% of children tested had an elevated blood lead level ≥10 µg/dL. The evaluation of the GFLSC Program uses Geographical Information Systems to aid and document GFLSC efforts. Digital maps track the blocks covered by neighborhood outreach efforts, the number of households reached, distribution of informational packets, and lead screening results. Census data identified areas with higher concentrations of African American children under 6 years of age and housing units constructed prior to 1940. A previous project provided soil lead levels. HLM analyses indicated that the proportion of houses built prior to 1940, but not soil lead levels, predicted blood lead levels, t(30)=5.733, p<.001. Maps combining blood lead level screening results with the prevalence of older housing stock visually demonstrate this association and assist GFLSC staff in prioritizing those areas within 48505 at highest risk of lead poisoning.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• List one environmental risk factor for elevated blood lead levels and identify one way of assessing the level of risk.
• Describe a method of collecting and combining U.S. Census local public health data for needs assessment and intervention planning.
• Articulate three benefits of using geographical information systems in planning and evaluating public health interventions.

Keywords: Lead, Geographic Information Systems

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.pdf format, 5222.1 kb)