DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

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DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Our mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children and adolescents of Washingt

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and activities from the DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Healthy kids. Strong community. Lead-safe future.Every DC child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. We ...
09/15/2026

Healthy kids. Strong community. Lead-safe future.

Every DC child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive. We can help protect children by recognizing potential lead hazards, preventing exposure, and making sure young children are tested twice by age two.

Before this campaign ends:
— Check your child’s testing record.
— Talk with your pediatrician about possible risks.
— Schedule a test if one was missed.
— Share this message with another DC family.

Together, we can build healthier beginnings and brighter futures for DC children.

09/15/2026

Start the new school year with a healthy check.

As families prepare for school and child care, it is a good time to review children’s health records—including lead testing.

Lead exposure can affect attention, learning, behavior, and development. Check whether your child received both recommended tests by age two. If you are unsure, your pediatrician can review your child’s records and recommend next steps.

Together with 114 organizations, we're calling on and to advance the Kids Online Safety Act this month. Families deser...
09/14/2026

Together with 114 organizations, we're calling on and to advance the Kids Online Safety Act this month. Families deserve meaningful action to protect kids online. . Read our full letter:

Lead exposure does not always come from an obvious source. Knowing your child’s environment can help you recognize risks...
09/10/2026

Lead exposure does not always come from an obvious source. Knowing your child’s environment can help you recognize risks and prevent exposure.
If you are concerned about something in your home or another place your child frequently visits, speak with your pediatrician. A blood test is the best way to determine whether exposure has occurred.

Renovating an older home? Ask about lead.Lead poisoning can begin with dust we barely notice. Renovation or demolition i...
09/10/2026

Renovating an older home? Ask about lead.
Lead poisoning can begin with dust we barely notice. Renovation or demolition in homes built before 1978 can disturb lead-based paint and spread contaminated dust.
If your child lives in or regularly visits an older home—especially one with peeling paint or recent renovations—talk with your pediatrician about possible exposure and blood lead testing.
When renovating, use lead-safe practices and appropriately certified professionals.

09/04/2026

One test isn’t enough. Test again around age two.

Children become more mobile as they grow—exploring new places, touching more surfaces, and putting their hands and objects in their mouths. That can create new opportunities for exposure.

Even if your child’s first result showed no elevated lead level, DC requires another test between 22 and 26 months.

Remember: Every child. Twice by two.

Around age one: Ask about the first lead test.Is your baby approaching their one-year well visit? Add one important ques...
08/31/2026

Around age one: Ask about the first lead test.
Is your baby approaching their one-year well visit? Add one important question to your appointment list:
“Will my child receive a blood lead test?”
In DC, the first test should take place between 6 and 14 months. It is a small step that can make an important difference for your child’s healthy development.

08/29/2026

Lead exposure doesn’t always show. A blood test can.

Needles can be uncomfortable, but a quick blood test can identify lead exposure that cannot be detected during a physical exam.

Early identification gives families and healthcare providers an opportunity to find possible sources of lead and reduce additional exposure. Ask about lead testing at your child’s next well visit or contact your pediatrician now if a test may have been missed.

Lead exposure can be hard to see. Most children with lead in their blood do not have obvious symptoms, but exposure can ...
08/28/2026

Lead exposure can be hard to see. Most children with lead in their blood do not have obvious symptoms, but exposure can affect learning, behavior, growth, and development.

A blood lead test is the best way to know whether your child has been exposed. DC children should be tested at 6–14 months and again at 22–26 months.
Check your child’s records or ask your pediatrician: Has my child been tested twice by age two?

Talk to your child’s pediatrician today.

Resharing in support of National Breastfeeding Month for DC residents...
08/11/2026

Resharing in support of National Breastfeeding Month for DC residents...

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