Public Health declares Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, urges testing and outreach

The Legislature approved public-health proclamations recognizing October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Oct. 25–31 as National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in St. Lawrence County, while health staff stressed local testing gaps and outreach needs.

Erin from the county Public Health Department noted breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and encouraged age‑appropriate screening. On lead testing, Erin said testing is required in New York State at ages 1 and 2, but in St. Lawrence County “only about 0.5 of the children who should be being tested actually get tested.” Legislators pressed staff on why testing is low, outreach to pediatricians, school-district distribution, and risks from renovation dust; staff offered to create handouts, web resources and reusable clinic materials and advised certified contractors for abatement where landlords are responsible for identified sources.

The board also heard practical tips on reducing lead dust at home and noted programmatic challenges: virtual WIC visits since COVID have reduced in-person education opportunities, and some families find lab visits inconvenient. The proclamations passed on voice votes. Staff invited legislators to share short promotional clips to help community outreach for county initiatives.