To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Jennifer Solito, 707-565-4774
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution recognizing October 20-26 as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week for 2024
End
Executive Summary:
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Lead Week) is a national annual campaign during the last full week of October to bring awareness to, in order to help prevent, childhood lead exposure. Each year, the local California Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) participates in Lead Week to increase awareness of childhood lead poisoning and provides valuable outreach and education to community members and partners.
The local CLPPP is managed and staffed through the County of Sonoma Department of Health Services Public Health Division and is funded through the State Department of Public Health. The CLPPP employs a team of local health professionals who provide services to parents, healthcare providers, and the general public. This team is comprised of:
• Registered Environmental Specialists, who conduct investigations to determine the source of lead contamination in the home.
• Public Health Nurses, who work with families to identify possible sources of contamination and to educate families on ways to reduce the risk of lead contamination.
• Health Educators, who conduct health fairs, workshops and special trainings for health care providers and the general public.
Discussion:
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be observed statewide from October 20 through the 26, 2024 in order to promote childhood lead poisoning prevention awareness.
One of government’s responsibilities is to keep its constituents safe from environmental hazards. Lead exposure is among the most pervasive of these hazards, as lead can be found in paint, dust, soil, drinking water, consumer products, and in the air from lead based fuels such as aviation gas and from other sources of lead emissions. Lead exposure is particularly harmful to children under the age of six. It is vital that public and non-profit partners take the necessary steps to ensure a safe environment in the County of Sonoma.
Protecting children from lead exposure is critical to lifelong health. Even small amounts of lead in the body can adversely impact intelligence quotient (IQ), ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. The damaging effects of lead exposure often go undetected. The signs of lead exposure are difficult to identify. A blood lead test is the best way to determine if a child has been exposed to lead.
Although lead can be found in many products and locations, lead exposure is preventable. We encourage all Sonoma County residents to learn about the risks and potential sources of lead exposure, and the steps we can take to protect our children. Additional information on lead poisoning prevention can be accessed at <https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/Pages/Lead-Poisoning.aspx> and in the Attachment 2 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (English) and Attachment 3 Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (Spanish).
Prior Board Actions:
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Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Attachment 2 - Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (English)
Attachment 3 - Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (Spanish)
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None