Blood lead testing now available for Benton Harbor residents

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Tri-County Head Start and healthcare workers from Wayne State University are stationed at Benton Harbor’s Discovery Enrichment Center this week to do free lead testing for any resident, but are especially encouraging pregnant women and children to come by.  

No appointment’s needed and once you give some contact information so they can follow up with results, you’re ready for a blood draw that takes less than one minute.  

“Less than a tablespoon of blood will give you your lead results, the state will contact you regarding any follow up procedures and linkage for primary care doctors and lead specialists,” said Jacob Winkel, Lead Project Coordinator at Wayne Health.  

Organizers are planning to do more mobile testing and say it’s an important precaution for residents to take as they can help stop the exposure and offer care in dealing with its effects. 

“It’s quick, it’s free and they’ll benefit from knowing,” said Nona Newbern, with Discovery Enrichment Center.

Organizers will be back at Discovery Enrichment Center from 12 - 6 Tuesday for more lead testing