Public Health in the Rockies 2026

* Background / Purpose: Medicaid requires 100% of enrolled children to be tested for lead at 12 and 24 months of age. Yet in 2025, only 3.44% of Colorado Medicaid-eligible or enrolled children received testing at both ages. While the Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program passively expanded provider outreach through webinars and mailings, the program recognized that blood lead test results were unreported or incorrectly reported. This gap highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and healthcare providers.

* Methods: We delivered 10 one-hour educational presentations in clinics across Colorado. The presentations focused on blood lead testing protocols, reporting requirements, and necessary case management steps. Attendees voluntarily completed an 8-question pre-presentation survey and an 11-question post-presentation survey, both using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = No knowledge, 5 = Very knowledgeable), to assess changes in competency.

* Results: Data from approximately 70 survey respondents showed a marked increase in knowledge of testing and reporting requirements. The proportion of participants rating themselves as “very knowledgeable” about Medicaid blood lead testing requirements increased from 1.4% (n=1) pre-presentation to 50.0% (n=36) post-presentation. Similarly, the proportion rating themselves as “very knowledgeable” about Colorado blood lead testing and reporting requirements increased from 2.8% (n=2) to 44.9% (n=31). Additionally, 68.9% (n=31) of attendees reported that the content provided new, relevant information with a definite impact on their professional performance. Qualitative feedback described the presentations as informative and useful.

* Implications: Direct, clinic-based education improved provider self-reported knowledge of lead testing and reporting requirements. This collaborative, scalable approach may strengthen surveillance, improve reporting, and support other public health programs seeking to improve community health outcomes.