Two specially designed, child-friendly vans will visit eight Camden schools in October to help detect lead poisoning in young children.

Virtua Health’s Pediatric Mobile Services will hold free blood lead-level screening and education events throughout the month, which includes National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from October 20 - 26. 

Walk-ups are welcome at these neighborhood events, which will also provide referrals for treatment as needed.

“We’re placing an extra focus on Camden, as we’ve found that 14% of the city’s children have elevated levels of lead in their blood, compared to 2.5% of children nationally,” said Maria Emerson, Virtua’s director of rehabilitation services.

Elevated lead levels can cause physical, intellectual, and developmental problems, and children under age 6 are especially vulnerable, Emerson explained.

“It’s vital for at-risk children to receive lead testing, so they can live healthier lives and reach their full potential,” she said. “Unfortunately, kids living in under-resourced communities such as Camden tend to have higher levels of lead in their blood, due to exposure to lead paint in older homes, lead in water from older pipes, lead-contaminated soil, lead in certain toys, and other causes.”

The testing only takes a few minutes. A Virtua staff member distracts the child with toys and bubbles, while a colleague makes a quick finger prick to draw a tiny drop of blood.

Virtua, South Jersey’s largest health system and a not-for-profit organization, is partnering with other area organizations to offer the screening events. The partners will offer other free, related services at certain sites. Partners include Saint Joseph’s Carpenter Society, The Cooperative, Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, and the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative.

The screening events are scheduled as follows, rain or shine:

• Tues. 10/1: East Side High School at Cramer School — 2800 Mickel St.
• Thurs. 10/3: Acelero Learning Grand Avenue Center — 331 Grand Ave.
• Fri. 10/4: Veterans Memorial Family School — 800 N 26th St.
• Wed. 10/16: Acelero Learning – Kroc Center — 1865 Harrison Ave.
• Fri. 10/18: Dudley Elementary School — 2250 Berwick St.
• Tues. 10/22: Forest Hill Elementary School — 1625 Wildwood Ave.
• Tues. 10/29: Yorkship Family School — 1251 Collings Ave.
• Thurs. 10/31: Acelero Learning – Pierce Ave. — 1700 Pierce Ave.

All events are 9 a.m. to Noon, and all are in the city of Camden

Virtua’s Pediatric Mobile Services provides free lead-level testing year-round at sites in Burlington and Camden counties. The program also provides free flu shots, school and sports physicals, developmental, dental, and vision screenings, health education, and referrals for further testing and treatment.

For more information, including calendars of free health events, please visit Virtua.org/MobilePeds or call 609-304-0151. All appointments are free and walk-ups are welcome.