CommUnityCare Health Centers Responds to Community Need with Lead Testing Event
More than 100 community members received no-cost blood lead testing, health education and community resources through a collaborative effort led by CommUnityCare Health Centers and Travis County. The event was organized in response to community concerns following the publication of a recent water quality study in Austin’s Colony.
The screening event, held Saturday, July 25, at Dailey Middle School, connected approximately 109 community members with blood lead testing, educational materials and follow-up support. Community members also received bottled water and information to help them better understand lead exposure and protect their health.
The community response followed the publication of a University of Texas at Austin study that examined drinking water quality in Austin’s Colony. The study identified elevated lead levels in some household water samples, prompting concerns about potential lead exposure and the need for community education and blood lead testing.
“When community members have concerns about their health, they deserve access to trusted information and timely care,” said Dr. Michael Stefanowicz, Chief Health Officer at CommUnityCare Health Centers. “Blood lead testing is an important tool because lead exposure often has no symptoms. By bringing screening directly into the community, we hope to give families answers and connect them with the care and support they need.”
Blood lead screening was available for people of all ages. Young children, infants who drink formula mixed with tap water, pregnant people and people who are breastfeeding were especially encouraged to get tested because they may be at greater risk from lead exposure.
Throughout the event, CommUnityCare care teams answered questions, provided education about lead exposure and explained what families could expect after testing. If patient screening results require additional evaluation, follow-up care and ongoing support will be provided.
“This event demonstrated what is possible when healthcare organizations and community partners come together around a shared purpose,” added Dr. Stefanowicz. “We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible and to the community members who trusted us with their care.”
The event was made possible through the collaboration of CommUnityCare Health Centers, Travis County, Austin Public Health and numerous community organizations that worked together to expand access to care and reliable health information.
Event Photo Gallery
Learn More About Lead Exposure
Have questions about lead exposure or blood lead testing?
Visit our CommunityStrong blog, “Concerned About Lead Exposure? Understand Your Risk and When to Get Tested,” for trusted health information from our Dr. Stefanowicz, prevention tips, answers to frequently asked questions and additional community resources.
UT Study on Austin’s Colony Drinking Water
Read the published research: https://journals.plos.org/water/article?id=10.1371/journal.pwat.0000496