Newark, New Jersey – In support of the recent efforts outlined by the Governor and officials in the City of Newark, University Hospital will offer free lead screenings this Saturday for Newark residents, including adults and children, impacted by the public health concerns associated with the presence of increased lead in the water for areas serviced by the Pequannock water treatment plant.
Screenings will also be available in the weeks to come, as needed.
Officials say the screenings will be available in the Ambulatory Care Center at University Hospital, located at 140 Bergen Street in Newark.
Screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 17th. An appointment is required and can be scheduled by calling (973) 972-9000. Newark residents will be required to bring proof of address to the screenings and guardians accompanying minor children must bring proof of relationship to the minor.
“We know that the Newark community is very concerned about their water, and we are committed to providing the health information and services they need to be safe,” said Dr. Shereef Elnahal, President and CEO of University Hospital. “We will continue to work closely with the City and State to support their efforts, including ensuring that community members have knowledge about their level of exposure and what can be done to better protect themselves and their families.
Additionally, I want to encourage people who believe they have been impacted to follow up with their primary care physician immediately.”
University Hospital is also providing patients who are discharged from the hospital to a home supplied by the Pequannock water treatment plant with a starter kit, which includes bottled water and clear instructions on how to get more water from the City of Newark.
The City of Newark has advised that residents who live in the Pequannock service area and who have lead service lines should use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula while additional testing of City water sources is conducted.
For the most up-to-date information on impacted addresses and water distribution, please visit: www.newarkleadserviceline.com.