#USA #Inland Empire #Riverside County #Lead Poisoning

Inland Empire Health Plan and Riverside County: A Successful Collaboration to Increase Childhood Lead Screenings

In 2025, Riverside County saw a significant boost in childhood lead screenings, with an impressive 11% increase attributed to a fruitful partnership between the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and the Riverside University Health System's Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP). This collaboration marks a critical advancement in addressing lead exposure risks for children in the region.

The Background of the Initiative

The inception of this enhanced collaboration stemmed from concerning Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) measures, which revealed that only 58.95% of children in Riverside and San Bernardino counties had undergone lead testing in 2024. Recognizing the need for action, IEHP and CLPPP united to bolster educational outreach and improve access to lead screenings.

Dulce Fernandez, IEHP's Director of Quality Management, emphasized the value of this partnership. She noted, "Riverside County's CLPP Program was the ideal partner for this work. Their expertise in blood lead testing helps us strengthen our network's relationships with healthcare providers to better serve families."

Strategic Approach to Increase Screenings

With a shared objective of integrating lead screenings into routine pediatric checkups, the two organizations worked to identify clinics and providers that would benefit from enhanced support and communication strategies. Recognizing that recommended screenings are essential for children at the ages of 12 and 24 months, as well as for those under 6 years who have not been previously tested, their initiative focused on ensuring all families are well-informed about the importance of such evaluations.

Evelin Hernandez, the Coordinator and Assistant Nurse Manager for RUHS-PH CLPPP, highlighted the necessity of their outreach efforts, stating, "We needed to take action. Our expanded focus on education ensures that more families understand the importance of lead testing."

Ongoing Challenges with Lead Screening

Despite the positive outcomes from this collaboration, both IEHP and CLPPP acknowledge that obstacles to lead screenings persist. Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky, Riverside County Public Health Officer, noted that many children with lead poisoning often do not show any immediate symptoms, making screenings crucial for early detection. She pointed out, "Without testing, elevated lead levels can go unnoticed and may lead to serious health complications."

Why Testing is Essential

Detecting lead poisoning through a blood test is the only way to recognize the issue. Unmonitored elevated lead levels can cause long-term health issues such as learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and hindered attention spans. According to CLPPP, certain children are at a higher risk of lead exposure if they:

• - Live in homes built before 1978 or near high emissions sources (such as highways, industrial zones, or airports).
• - Are exposed to specific foods, spices, remedies, dishware, or products imported from other countries.
• - Spend time outside the United States or have siblings with raised blood lead levels.
• - Live with individuals working in industries like construction or painting.

For families seeking more information, resources are available through the California Department of Public Health at go.cdph.ca.gov/LeadFreeKids, or directly through their healthcare providers.

Conclusion

The ongoing partnership between IEHP and the Riverside County Public Health team exemplifies proactive measures aimed at protecting children from the dangers of lead poisoning. With a robust commitment to enhancing healthcare access and education, they strive to ensure that all children receive the essential screenings necessary for healthy developmental outcomes. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the public health landscape, prioritizing the well-being of families in Riverside County.

For more information about the Inland Empire Health Plan, visit iehp.org and for details about the CLPPP, check ruhealth.org/public-health/childhood-lead-poisoning-prevention.