BENTON HARBOR, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The city of Benton Harbor is set to offer residents free blood lead tests. Health officials say the tests will detect lead levels in blood and will be available to those of all ages.
The first test site is scheduled to be open at Second Baptist Church, 600 Donald Adkins Drive, beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 14.
More testing opportunities are scheduled for Monday, November 15, and Tuesday, November at Discovery Enrichment Center, 465 South McCord Street, from 12 to 6 p.m.
Officials say the tests aim to identify those with elevated blood lead levels, determine the source of lead, and schedule a visit with their doctor.
“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.”
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, November 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, November 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, November 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, November 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, November 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.
