Childhood Lead Poisoning: Defying Long-Term Consequences with Behavioral Health Referrals- 06/2020 Position Paper
Table of Contents
Childhood Lead Poisoning Position Paper Summary:
Childhood lead poisoning has remained a longstanding issue in specific Ohio neighborhoods for decades. This problem predominantly affects socially designated “at-risk” groups such as African-American children, kids from low-income families, and those residing in older homes.
The impacts of lead poisoning on children, and their families can have extensive and enduring effects, resulting in various physical and behavioral health problems. This paper emphasizes the importance of addressing the lasting effects of lead poisoning by analyzing and approaching it from a psychosocial perspective. In this position paper, we advocate for incorporating behavioral health interventions as part of the treatment to address the long-term consequences of lead poisoning effectively.
At OhioGuidestone, we call for required referrals to behavioral health services for any children identified to have elevated blood lead levels.
Read below and visit our Position Papers page to explore the rest of our releases!
Who Should Read This Paper on Childhood Lead Poisoning?
At the Institute, our Position Papers are accessible and free to anyone looking to learn! However, we encourage the following groups to use this paper and the contents immediately to better improve behavioral healthcare for our communities:
- Local and state government officials
- Health officials and policymakers
- Managed care organizations
- Primary care physicians and other healthcare providers
What’s Inside?
- Brief Background on Lead Poisoning.
- More about Lead Poisoning’s Connection to Behavioral Health.
- Research Shows the Need for Behavioral Healthcare
- Making Space for Behavioral Health Intervention
- Utilizing the IDEA Part B “Child Find” Process
- OhioGuidestone’s stance of prevention and mitigation of the long-term impact of childhood lead poisoning
- Making Space for Behavioral Health Providers as Stakeholders:
- Child Lead Poisoning Advisory Council.
- Resources and References:
- Example: Yeter, et al. (2020) Article on Childhood Lead Poisoning among predominantly Black children.
Feedback & Questions:
The Institute of Family & Community Impact, an initiative of OhioGuidestone, understands all of our work is informed by the communities we serve. Have questions about who we are or what we do? Or have a suggestion for a future Position Paper topic? Visit our FAQ page or contact us today.
