Abstract
Addressing an Old Problem with New Innovations: How a Network of Experts Reduces Pediatric Lead Exposure
Jennifer Lowry, MD, FAAP1, Shannon Limjuco, MPH2, Cassie Bernardi, MPH2 and Kate Taft, MPH3
(1)Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, (2)American Academy of Pediatrics, Itasca, IL, (3)Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Washington, DC
APHA's 2019 Annual Meeting and Expo (Nov. 2 - Nov. 6)
Lead exposure has been and continues to be one of the most significant pediatric environmental health concerns of the past 50 years. Lead exposure can adversely affect the health of children and fetuses causing lifelong consequences that can range from slowed growth and decreased IQ to increased propensity for violence. Despite vast improvements and declining rates of lead exposure, families, communities, and at-risk populations continue to be exposed. Therefore, a goal of Healthy People 2020 is the elimination of childhood lead poisoning. As a result, several federal programs have been assigned the task of addressing the problem of childhood lead exposure. A key factor in the success of these programs are the partnerships they have formed to address the issue together. Collaboration ensures efficiency and better meets the needs of children and families. The programs include the Maternal and Child Environmental Health (MCEH) Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network (CoIIN), Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Lead Testing Project. These programs are using innovative techniques to reach dispersed audiences who all play a role in reducing lead exposure, such as families, public health professionals, and primary care providers. This session will outline innovative approaches to prevent, identify, and treat lead exposed children and pregnant women through education and outreach to key stakeholders. Presenters will provide information on several activities including quality improvement initiatives, Project ECHO (an evidence-based telementoring model), and expansive outreach and education efforts, and how they have been enhanced by their cooperative partnership.
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs Environmental health sciences Public health or related education