Where Can You Get Help Keeping Your Family Lead Safe in Dutchess County?

Lead Primary Prevention Program—the County in partnership with the City of Poughkeepsie will carry out various awareness and assistive activities in areas with the highest lead poisoning rates to protect children and pregnant women from the toxic effect of lead based paint and lead dust. This program will target homes in the city of Poughkeepsie, which the New York State Department of Health has identified as the area with the highest annual incidence of Elevated Blood Levels (EBLL) in Dutchess County. You can find more information on this program here

Blood Lead Tests — A simple blood test is the only way to know if your child is being exposed to lead. Doctors are required to test all children for lead poisoning at both age 1 and age 2. Older children should also be tested if you suspect they have been exposed to peeling paint and other lead sources. Blood lead tests are covered by Medicaid and most health plans. But you can also contact the Dutchess County Department of Health Public Health Nursing Division for free testing at 845/486.3419

Dutchess County Department of Health — Find out if your home has lead! Don’t try to remove lead on your own. It should be done by trained certified workers. If you need to have your home or water tested contact the Dutchess County Department of Health for more information at 845/486.3404 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For information on Lead Safe Training courses visit their website