FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 12, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. - Blood lead testing is being offered in the City of Benton Harbor next week to provide residents of all ages an opportunity to get their blood tested for free.

"A blood lead test can tell you if you or your loved ones have recent or ongoing exposures to lead," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "Although blood lead tests cannot tell you if you were exposed to lead in the past, testing is particularly important for young children and pregnant persons because exposure to lead early in life has been shown to cause problems with learning, behavior, hearing and growth."

Upcoming mobile testing dates and times are:

Sunday, Nov. 14  

• Second Baptist Church, 600 Donald Adkins Drive, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 15

• Discovery Enrichment Center, 465 S. McCord Street, 12 - 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 16

• Discovery Enrichment Center, 465 S. McCord Street, 12 - 6 p.m.

For individuals who have elevated blood lead levels, the goals are to identify the source of lead, stop the lead exposure and to talk with their doctor to discuss any other tests or follow-up that might be needed.

Children less than 6 years old with an elevated blood lead level are offered nurse case management through the Berrien County Health Department, which includes a home visit with a registered nurse.

Additional locations for blood lead testing for children include:

• InterCare Family Health Network, 800 M-139, 855-869-6900.
• Through the WIC program and the Berrien County Health Department by calling 800-815-5485 or visiting BCHDMI.org for more information.

Free bottled water continues to be provided by the state as residents are being encouraged to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing foods and mixing powdered infant formula. This action is part of an accelerated, across-the-board effort to reduce the risk of exposure to lead in drinking water while the city replaces all lead service lines.

To arrange water delivery to homebound or residents without transportation in the city of Benton Harbor, contact 211, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phones that cannot contact 211 should contact 844-875-9211.

The upcoming schedule for bottled water pickup is:

Saturday, Nov. 13

• Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, 600 Nate Wells Sr. Drive, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.,
• Harbor of Hope Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 769 Pipestone Street, 4 - 6 p.m.   

Sunday, Nov. 14

• Abundant Life Church of God, 693 Columbus Avenue, 3 - 5 p.m.
• Brotherhood of All Nations, 1286 Monroe Street, 4 - 6 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 15

• Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller Street, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Self-service)
• Abundant Life Church of God, 693 Columbus Avenue, noon - 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 16

• Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller Street, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Self-service)
• Abundant Life Church of God, 693 Columbus Avenue, noon - 2 p.m.
• Ebenezer Baptist Church, 214 E. Britain Avenue, 4 - 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 17

• Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller Street, 3 - 6 p.m., (Water loaded into vehicles by volunteers)

The ongoing response in Benton Harbor includes the city, Berrien County Health Department, local community organizations, MDHHS and the EGLE.

Additional dates and locations for bottled water pick up will be added to make sure community needs are met. Information will be posted on Michigan.gov/MiLeadSafe.

To ensure the continued success of bottled water distribution locations in Benton Harbor and to recognize the city residents who have been stepping up to donate their time and talent, the State of Michigan has partnered with local agencies to pay city residents who work at state-supported bottled water distribution sites. Individuals who want to serve as community ambassadors to help distribute water should connect with an established distribution site. Individuals or groups who want to serve as unpaid volunteers can sign up on the United Way's online platform.

MDHHS is engaging in a long-term effort to eliminate lead action level exceedances, educate communities on the effects of lead in drinking water, and remove lead service lines. These efforts also include recently approved funds to remove lead from homes in the city. Families living in Benton Harbor can apply for this service by filling out and mailing in an application that is available online. Residents also can call 866-691-5323 to obtain information. 

For questions about lead, MDHHS can be reached at 866-691-5323 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Blood lead testing flyer