State offering free lead testing, employment services to Water Gremlin workers

Representatives from Ramsey County and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), along with reemployment specialists from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) are hosting information sessions at the Vadnais Sports Center in Vadnais Heights to offer free blood tests for Water Gremlin employees and their families to check blood lead levels and to help Water Gremlin workers find out about employment services available to them.

MDH is providing free blood tests for Water Gremlin employees and their families to learn if they have increased health risks associated with lead exposure. St. Paul - Ramsey County Public Health investigators have determined that at least 12 children of workers at Water Gremlin had elevated blood lead levels, including two children with blood lead levels above the level of 15 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). Blood lead levels above this threshold are considered by health officials to constitute a particularly serious health risk for children.

DEED’s State Rapid Response Team and Ramsey County Workforce Solutions are also on site informing Water Gremlin employees about services available through the Dislocated Worker Program. Translation assistance is available at the Vadnais Sports Center for Water Gremlin employees who may seek assistance in a language other than English. More information is available on Ramsey County’s Help for Water Gremlin Employees webpage.

Information sessions will be held all week at the Vadnais Sports Center, 1490 County Road E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110. Hours of operation are as follows:

• Wednesday, Oct.30: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Thursday, Oct. 31: 1-4 p.m.

• Friday, Nov. 1: 9 a.m.-noon

In addition, ongoing employment services are available at CareerForce North St. Paul, 2266 2nd Street North, North St. Paul, MN 55109.