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Vol. 6 No. 1

Public Service and Public Health: A University/Government Collaboration to Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning

Submitted
July 22, 2010
Published
2010-07-22

Abstract

A multidisciplinary outreach project at the University of Connecticut is presented as a model of innovative collaboration addressing a serious public health problem-childhood lead poisoning. The project originated in the perceived needs of a coalition of community-based health care workers, educators, and public health officials for materials to teach young school-age children (grades 1-3) about the hazards of lead poisoning and about simple ways they can protect themselves. The coalition sought out the university, which had previously established a solid reputation for work in this environmental health area, to develop these materials. A partnership with the Hartford Health Department's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program provided not only financial support but also ongoing advice and assistance in implementing the program in the public schools. Finally, in developing both a children's activity book and supplementary adult materials, the authors designed outreach materials to reach three distinct audiences:children; teachers, administrators, and other youth leaders;and parents or guardians.