The monthly community program discusses current health issues.

LEWISTON – The Creating A Healthier Community luncheon series will continue on Tuesday, Sept. 23, exploring current public health issues facing the community.

The program is titled “Lead Poisoning: What Every Parent Should Know to Determine If Their Family is at Risk.” Mary Ann Amrich, RN, director of the Maine Childhood Poisoning Prevention Program, will discuss how to determine if a family is at risk, what people can do and will offer helpful information regarding state and local resources.

The lunch will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lepage Conference Center, 99 Campus Ave.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood lead poisoning is a major, preventable environmental health problem. Maine children have an incidence of lead poisoning that is higher than the national average. These children may have learning disabilities, developmental delays or behavior problems.

In national research, the results of environmental investigations show that lead-based paint is the most common source of lead poisoning in young children. Nearly half of the homes in Maine were built before 1950 when lead-based paint was more commonly used. This places many Maine children at a higher risk for exposure to lead than children in many other states. There are no symptoms to lead poisoning and any child can be at risk.

This year the Creating A Healthier Community Series is examining themes from the Healthy Maine 2010 public health initiative. Each month will feature a different strategy, a different expert in the field, as well as conversation and practical advice.

A light lunch is provided at no cost, but preregistration is required by calling the education hotline at 753-5467.