Yale-New Haven Lead Program and Regional Treatment Center

This comprehensive center provides medical care, psychological and social services and educates lead-poisoned children and their families. In addition, lead poisoning prevention efforts are an integral component of the program. Educational services are available to the community in group and individual formats.

The Lead Clinic team offers the following services:

• Case management, including inpatient and outpatient treatment provided by nurse practitioners and pediatricians.
• Lead screening and follow-up of identified children, including outreach and home visits.
• Social work intervention to help families find safe affordable housing and to assist with other psychosocial needs.
• Psychology services to assess the developmental and psychological functioning of the children.

The Lead Clinic meets weekly at the Pediatric Specialty Clinic of Yale-News Haven Children's Hospital (YNHCH). Patients may be seen for consultation or enrolled for ongoing care and management. Evaluation and treatment consists of:

• Taking a thorough medical history.
• Performing a physical examination.
• Identifying possible lead hazard exposures.
• Reviewing risk reduction education.
• Evaluation for neurodevelopmental problems.

If indicated, chelation therapy (using a medication to accelerate the body's excretion of lead) is prescribed. A referral from the child's doctor may be necessary. For more information, or to make an appointment, call (203) 764-9106.

The Lead Safe Home
Located at 138 Davenport Avenue in New Haven, the Lead Safe Home is only a couple of blocks from YNHCH. It provides temporary housing for families whose homes must have lead removed and whose children have elevated lead levels. It is a lead-safe, supervised, community-based environment where these children can be closely monitored and, if appropriate, treated on an outpatient basis. The Lead Safe Home houses up to four families for a maximum of 60 days. Children (with their families) are identified for referral to the Lead Safe Home through the Yale-New Haven Lead Program. For information, call (203) 764-9106.

The Lead Resource Center
The Lead Resource Center, next to the Lead Safe Home, is the Lead Program's administrative center. Meeting space is available for children's advocacy groups. Parent-toddler groups are offered for families residing in the Lead Safe Home. After-school programs, including a chess club, an art club, a homework tutoring group and a book loan and distribution program meet during the week for children in the neighborhood.

Educational resources are available through the Resource Center. Individual speakers, as well as teams of professionals, are available to provide presentations to groups interested in childhood lead poisoning. Telephone consultations regarding questions about lead poisoning are also provided upon request.

For more information
The Yale-New Haven Lead Program and Regional Resource Center is committed to enhancing community education about lead poisoning and promoting prevention activities and has several publications available upon request, including: At Risk for Lead Poisoning? Find Out What You Need to Know to Keep Your Child Unleaded Keep the Promise: Learn About Lead (Spanish or English educational video are available for a nominal donation). To obtain these or other materials about lead poisoning or for other program services, call (203) 764-9106.

Would you like to help?
There are many opportunities to share your special skills as a volunteer for the lead program. Helping hands are always welcome at the after school clubs and for fundraising and special events. For more information, call (203) 764-9106.

For information about lead poisoning, see Understanding lead poisoning.

• YNHH Health Library: Lead poisoning

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Last revised: May 30, 2007 (dh)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.