Lead screening clinics remain open throughout the MPS summer break.
Milwaukee Public School District Promotes Lead Screening Amid Ongoing Remediation Efforts
MILWAUKEE—As the Milwaukee Public School District (MPS) continues to implement Phase 1 of its lead remediation project during the summer months, officials are emphasizing the importance of lead screenings for children. This initiative comes amid growing concerns about lead exposure in the city, particularly in older housing stock, which remains a significant public health issue.
On Wednesday afternoon, North Division High School served as a venue for health contractor Novir to provide complimentary lead screenings to students. The partnership is part of MPS’s broader strategy to address potential lead exposure in the community.
Amy Ward, a representative from Novir, highlighted the urgency of lead testing during the summer months. “Regardless of the lead that was found inside the MPS schools, we in the city of Milwaukee have some of the highest cases of lead poisoning in the state,” Ward stated. She attributed the elevated risk largely to the city’s aging housing infrastructure, much of which predates the 1978 ban on lead-based paint. Ward emphasized, “It’s just a good opportunity before the school year starts to have your child tested.”
Historically, MPS’s efforts to facilitate lead testing have had mixed results. A lead screening clinic at Bradley Tech High School in March successfully tested over 200 students, demonstrating the community’s interest. However, previous attempts at North Division High School yielded only 20 participants. MPS officials are committed to raising awareness about these screenings, leveraging social media, email communications, and flyers at summer educational programs to disseminate information.
As part of the ongoing engagement with families, MPS sent a district-wide email in their Family Friday Newsletter on July 15, along with distributing flyers in all summer school locations and to students in Summer Academy programs.
Ward also acknowledged that fear of needles could be a barrier to testing for some children. “One of the strategies that we use to help calm a child is to explain to them and show them what we’re going to do,” she explained. By demystifying the process and reassuring the children, Novir aims to improve participation rates in future screenings.
As of July 11, MPS has commenced cleaning initiatives in 14 schools as part of Phase 1 of the lead remediation process. The district anticipates that these schools will be cleared for safe occupancy following thorough evaluations from the Milwaukee Health Department.
Looking ahead, MPS intends to provide further updates on its lead remediation efforts during the upcoming board of directors meeting next Thursday. The district’s commitment to ensuring student safety in the face of environmental hazards underscores the importance of ongoing health education and community involvement in addressing lead exposure in Milwaukee.
This initiative not only aims to safeguard the immediate health of students but also builds a foundation for long-term public health strategies within the community.
