SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Janesville, 2025 Community Benefits
Increased access to lead-testing leads to earlier interventions for children in Rock County
While lead dangers may seem like a problem of the past, Rock County continues to see lead-poisoned children in its communities. The health issue persists because the county has a large number of homes built prior to 1950 and often contain lead paint. In addition, over 50% of homes in some areas of Janesville and Beloit, Rock County’s two largest communities, are rental properties which may not have received regular renovations or safety updates.
To address this critical childhood health issue, SSM Health in Janesville partnered with Nutrition and Health Associates (WIC) and Head Start Rock County, Walworth County Head Start/Early Head Start (RWCFS) to make lead testing for children part of already established home visits. Knowing that there has been a decline in the number of children being tested for lead in Wisconsin, WIC was eager to work with RWCFS and implement lead screening into their already-established home visit procedures. SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville provided a Mini Grant and subsequent funding for WIC and RWCFS to purchase lead testing kits and supplies.
“We know that many families in our area may have challenges or landlord rules that impact their ability to make household repairs such as replacing paint,” said SSM Health Community Health Director Megan Timm. “We wanted to help address environmental health issues before a poisoning occurs and partnered with WIC and RWCFS to meet families where they are.”
So far, the organizations have helped to identify multiple children who screened with a high level of lead in their blood. Intervention was provided through Rock County Public Health and local physicians to ensure families received the care they needed.
To address this critical childhood health issue, SSM Health in Janesville partnered with Nutrition and Health Associates (WIC) and Head Start Rock County, Walworth County Head Start/Early Head Start (RWCFS) to make lead testing for children part of already established home visits. Knowing that there has been a decline in the number of children being tested for lead in Wisconsin, WIC was eager to work with RWCFS and implement lead screening into their already-established home visit procedures. SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville provided a Mini Grant and subsequent funding for WIC and RWCFS to purchase lead testing kits and supplies.
“We know that many families in our area may have challenges or landlord rules that impact their ability to make household repairs such as replacing paint,” said SSM Health Community Health Director Megan Timm. “We wanted to help address environmental health issues before a poisoning occurs and partnered with WIC and RWCFS to meet families where they are.”
So far, the organizations have helped to identify multiple children who screened with a high level of lead in their blood. Intervention was provided through Rock County Public Health and local physicians to ensure families received the care they needed.
