Mayor’s Office: Letters will notify parents about possible elevated lead levels

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is responding to a problem revealed in the city’s health department last week.

Health Commissioner Bevan Baker resigned on Friday, January 12 which is when we learned that thousands of Milwaukee families may not have been notified that their children had elevated lead levels after their blood was tested.

On Friday, the Mayor announced the city is in the process of following up with those families.

“Letters are being mailed today and Monday and an informational hotline will be available on Monday as well. The letter reminds families that their child may need additional services or testing based on a previous result,” said Mayor Barrett.

The hotline mentioned by the Mayor is 414-286-8800.

Because there are often no signs or symptoms of lead exposure, a blood test is needed to know if your child has been exposed to lead. For help finding your child’s previous lead test results and if additional testing is needed, contact your regular medical provider, clinic, or visit one of the City of Milwaukee Health Department Walk-In Clinics.

Below is a schedule for Walk-In Clinic hours and locations:

Keenan Health Center, 3200 N. 36^th Street: 8-11 a.m. on Fridays

Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Road: 3-6 p.m. on Wednesdays

Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23^rd Street: 3-6 p.m. on Mondays and 1-4 p.m. on Tuesdays

For more information on lead poisoning prevention, please visit LeadSafeMKE.com.