Lead Outreach Program
Our goal is a lead-free Milwaukee. Sixteenth Street has been protecting children from lead poisoning for 30 years. Since 1996, the department has partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Milwaukee Health Department to develop and implement a one-of-a-kind, bilingual community lead outreach program that combines free home-based outreach and testing, education, and follow-up medical care for children with lead poisoning. The clinic also offers pre-natal lead screening for expectant mothers.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Our staff goes out into the community to ensure that every family living on Milwaukee’s near south side is aware of the hazards related to lead poisoning. We provide free testing for elevated blood lead levels to children under the age of six, who are especially susceptible to absorbing and retaining lead due to their small size and growing bodies. Lead poisoning, which is often undetected, can lead to:
- Decreased bone and muscle growth
- Poor muscle coordination
- Damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and/or hearing
- Speech and language problems
- Development delays
- Seizures and unconsciousness (in cases of extremely high lead levels)
Our Lead Outreach Program Team is located in the lower level of our building at 1032 S. 16th St., Milwaukee, WI 53204. For more information about Lead Poisoning Prevention, call (414) 897-5594 or click here for additional community resources.