- Mobile blood lead testing for children comes to six South Side communities, beginning September 1, 2026.
- A three-minute test, with the result and counseling in the same visit, in English or Spanish.
- Find locations and register at prism.org/lead, or host a testing day at your site.
Beginning September 1, 2026, Prism Health, United Way of Metro Chicago, and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) are bringing mobile blood lead testing to six Chicago South Side communities: Englewood, West Englewood, South Chicago, Greater Grand Crossing, Auburn Gresham and New City. Find testing locations, register, or learn how to host a testing day at prism.org/lead.
The mobile testing team, close to home
Testing happens close to home, at daycares, Head Start centers, libraries, WIC sites, congregations and other community spaces where families already spend their day. A licensed bilingual team provides a three-minute test, and families receive the result and counseling in the same visit, in English or Spanish, with additional language support available on request.
The two-year pilot program, Increasing Blood Lead Testing in Six South Side Chicago Communities, is a public-private partnership. United Way of Metro Chicago serves as the funder, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) serves as the City governmental lead, and Prism Health provides the mobile testing services. The partners also expressly thank The Chicago Fund for Healthier Communities for its partnership and funding support for this pilot program.
Why testing matters
There is no safe level of lead in a child's blood, and a child who is exposed usually shows no symptoms a parent can see. A quick blood test is the only way to know. Illinois requires a blood lead test for every child at 12 and 24 months of age, and Chicago daycares, preschools and kindergartens require a lead screening statement on file at enrollment. In these six communities, nearly half of children ages 1, 2, and 3 were not tested in 2025.
What families can expect
- Blood lead screening for children, with the result and counseling in the same visit
- On-site collection of the follow-up sample when a screening result is elevated, so families do not need a separate clinic trip
- Connection to follow-up care and CDPH home lead hazard resources
- Illinois school and daycare lead screening documentation completed on site
- Walk-ins welcome
Families with insurance should bring their insurance card; covered services may be billed to their health plan with no surprise costs. Families without insurance pay based on what they can afford, and no one is turned away if they cannot pay.
Host a testing day
Daycares, schools, libraries, congregations and community organizations across the six communities are invited to host a testing day. A host provides a room, a table and a morning; Prism Health brings the licensed clinical team, supplies and cleanup, and returns through the year so the family who missed one visit can find the next.
Every organization that opens its doors to a testing day brings Chicago closer to a lead-free future. Find upcoming locations and register at prism.org/lead or call (800) 325-1812. Partners can reach the team at events@prism.org.