Case Management for children with elevated blood lead levels

      The Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program provides services to children with elevated blood lead levels.  CCBH receives all lead test results for children under the age of 16 living in all cities in Cuyahoga County except for Cleveland and Shaker Heights.  Test results for children living in the city of Cleveland are maintained at the Cleveland Department of Public Health.  Test results for children living in Shaker Heights are maintained at the Ohio Department of Health.

     Free case management services are available to families with children with elevated lead levels or who are at risk of lead poisoning in the CCBH health jurisdiction.  Services are provided by a Registered Nurse and includes education on lead, its effects, its sources, nutrition, development and referrals to other resources.  Case management provides ongoing follow-up with reminder letters/phone calls to ensure children are being retested as needed.  A case is automatically opened for a child under the age of 6 with lead levels of 10 ug/dL or greater.  Research has shown that lower levels of lead can cause adverse effects.  CCBH provides services to children with lead levels of 5 ug/dL or greater including education and access to a free home inspection.  Participation in case management is voluntary.