Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Public Schools is organizing three free clinics to offer lead testing for children across the city. The initiative aims to help families determine if their children have elevated levels of lead in their bloodstream and whether any follow-up or treatment is necessary.

According to the Milwaukee Health Department, all elementary-age children should be screened for lead exposure. Lead poisoning can result in serious health and developmental issues among young children. Testing involves a simple finger prick procedure, with results provided to families once available.

The school district selected three sites throughout Milwaukee—53rd Street School, Morgandale School, and Elm Creative Arts—to maximize accessibility for families citywide. Officials clarified that these locations were chosen for convenience rather than concerns about lead within the schools themselves.

Families whose children attend the participating schools can request consent forms so students may be tested during regular school hours. Community members may also bring their children to any of the scheduled clinics during designated hours:

- 53rd Street School (3618 N. 53rd St., 53216) will host testing on Tuesday, September 16, with in-school screening from noon to 2 p.m. and community testing from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

- Morgandale School (3635 S. 17th St., 53221) will offer tests on Wednesday, September 17; in-school from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., community testing from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

- Elm Creative Arts (900 W. Walnut St., 53205) will provide screenings on Thursday, September 18; in-school from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., community access from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

"Lead can cause significant health and development problems for children. A simple test can reveal whether children are within acceptable limits for lead in their bloodstream or whether treatment or follow-up is needed," stated organizers of the event.