All BCMH families are contacted by telephone or mailings by our BCMH nurse. Several BCMH children and families are visited on an ongoing basis, requiring multiple interventions to assist with their needs. The BCMH nurse, Pat Garrett, is available to assist families with problems and questions that arise. 
 

     In 2005 the BCMH nurse was also assigned the Lead Poisoning program.  The Ohio Department of Health notifies all Health Departments if a child is identified with a high lead level in their county.  Frequently families will call the Health Department with questions and concerns about lead poisoning. The BCMH nurse works closely with the state to support these families. The nurse is available to make a home visit to educate families on sources of lead poisoning and provide them with education so they can make their environment safe and helps families with ways to prevent further contamination.  The education includes information on lead poisoning, healthy diets and good hygiene. The Lancaster zip code area has been identified by the Ohio Department of Health as a high risk lead area. Linda Owens also worked with the State Health Department on getting information about lead poisoning to all school nurses in the county. This is a non revenue generating program. 

     The BCMH nurse also coordinated ODH sponsored specialty clinics. In 2005, the Health Department held three vision clinics for children under the age of 18 years and one hearing clinic for Help Me Grow enrolled children.