Lead Poisoning Prevention Team (LPPP), New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Top (left to right)
- Diana Puccerella-DeMartini
- Yma Andries
- Deborah Nagin
- Danielle Greene
- Desiree Johnson
Bottom (left to right)
- Andrew Faciano
- Jacqueline Ehrlich
- Osman Pineda (not in photo)
The Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (LPPP) has been very successful in preventing lead poisoning among children and pregnant women in NYC. From 1995 to 2006, the number of children with elevated blood lead levels has decreased by 87%. The LPPP's contribution to this overwhelming success is a result of innovative programs and the outstanding dedication and commitment of its staff.
Each year, the LPPP:
- Conducts over 4,000 lead hazard and safety inspections to protect newborns and young children
- Processes over 400,000 blood lead test results for more than 300,000 children annually, and collaborates with 16 Medicaid managed-care organizations to increase screening levels
- Provides case coordination services for lead-poisoned children, as well as lead poisoned pregnant women and their newborns
- Educates families and community-based organizations and distributes more than 200,000 pieces of educational materials each year
- Creates new educational materials which are translated in up to eight different languages
- Trains NYC health inspectors on lead hazard assessments.
In addition, the program is expanding its activities in 2008 to address additional home health hazards, including fire safety, asthma triggers and window guards.
