Location of the Elmira Economic Opportunity Program at Baldwin Street 650 (Phoebe Tailor-Vuolo / VSKG)
The new community health clinic in Elmira is now providing lead screening for children, the first in a series of efforts to improve access to preventive care.
Valerie Fiore is a third-year medical student at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). She led the testing of children at the ACCEL clinic, between the ages of two and four.
Fiore pricked their finger to take a small blood sample. Be sure to tell them if it might hurt a little. She always explains to the children and their guardians what she is doing and what they can expect.
“It’s important to try to build that relationship while you’re in the office with them or in the exam room and try to make them feel as comfortable as possible,” Fiore said. “And, of course, always offer something at the end, like a lollipop.
Valerie Fiore and Carolin Corcoran, third-year medical students at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. (Phoebe Taylor-Vuolo / VSKG)
The ACCEL Clinic is located in the Ernie Davis community at 650 Baldwin Street in Elmira. Many parents and children who take the test come from the Head Start program, which provides learning and activities for children from birth to five years old.
Carolyn Korkoran, also a third-year medical student at LECOM, said some families do not necessarily have a consistent approach to primary or preventive care.
The clinic checks children for elevated blood lead levels, but can also connect them with service providers.
“It’s nice that we can be that connection for them,” Corcoran said. “If they have a high level, we can ask them to see a pediatrician. But even if they’re just curious to have a provider, that’s also something we can set up. “
A 2019 community health assessment in Chemung County found that elevated lead levels in children under the age of three were more than twice the national average.
Children are particularly sensitive to the risks of lead exposure. Children absorb four times more lead than adults when exposed to the same source.
Zack Frida is a medical student in charge of overseeing major screenings at ACCEL. He said that for children with low incomes, lead exposure is just one of many negative social determinants of health. Elevated lead levels have been shown to impair children’s development.
“So, now they have emotional dysregulation, autonomic dysfunctions, behavioral problems. And that will last a lifetime, in addition to the fact that they are already deprived of their family’s income level, “said Frida.
A 2019 community health assessment found a link between poor housing quality and health in Elmira’s low-income neighborhoods. Over 90 percent of Elmira’s living space was built before 1950. Age of residence often affects the risk of lead exposure. The study also found that residents of lower-income neighborhoods in Elmira experienced the highest rates of emergency room visits due to asthma and COPD.
Andrea Ogunvumi is the executive director of Elmira’s economic opportunities program, which runs the clinic. She said they had been discussing the idea of a community health center for years. The 2019 assessment helped focus on the specific health problems facing Elmira residents.
Andrea Ogunvumi, Executive Director of Elmira’s Economic Opportunities Program, at the ACCEL Clinic. (Phoebe Taylor-Vuolo / VSKG)
“One area identified was safe, affordable housing, and lead levels were high, so we started working collectively, as a community, to try to address those issues,” Ogunwumi said.
The ACCEL Clinic is the result of a grant from Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield. Arnot Health, * Chemung County Health Department, Common Ground Health and LECOM all contributed to the project.
Since the ACCEL clinic is in the same building as the Head Start programs even after school activities, children are already coming and going. This means that it is a little easier for parents to come to the screening.
Ogunvumi said it is an important part of preventive care; making the approach as natural, easy and familiar as possible.
“[It’s] in their community, accessible, easy access, no barriers or blockages to get here. “And to be in an environment where you feel welcome, and to have the opportunity to meet some doctors now,” Ogunvumi said.
If the child has a high test, the team will schedule a follow-up visit with a pediatrician. The health center will perform screenings every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. Caregivers can call or go online to schedule appointments.
After the lead test, the clinic will be in the phase of testing mental health and diabetes for adults in the community.
*Arnot Health is a VSKG protector.