SANDPOINT — After wrapping up a wildly-successful fundraising campaign, officials from the Bonner Partners in Care Clinic are using their new-found financial security to introduce a low-cost lead screening program.

Less than two months ago, the clinic was in danger of closing after donations, which keep the clinic afloat, began to dry up. An anonymous foundation generously offered to contribute $54,000 through a nine-to-one matching grant, which meant clinic officials were responsible for raising the initial $6,000. With $60,000, the clinic could continue offering low-cost health care for more than a year, said clinic director Catherine Perusse.

In a matter of weeks, donations from individuals, businesses and local corporations began to stream in, and the clinic quickly exceeded its fundraising goal. As of this week, the clinic has taken in more than $10,000, according to Perusse.

Perusse said she was awed by the community’s generosity and will use a portion of the extra money to begin a much-needed lead screening program.

“I’m just absolutely boggled by the generosity from this community. The money just keeps coming every day,” she said. “What an amazing place this is and what amazing people there are that live here. This is a huge statement about the caliber of people that live in our area.”

According to Perusse, lead screening used to be standard practice in most communities, but has become less and less common in the past several years. Because most local children are not screened, health officials are uncertain about how extensive the problem is. Similar tests were recently conducted in Bonners Ferry, and two children were found to have excess lead in their systems.

“As far as I’m concerned, if we find just one kid, the whole thing has been worth it,” Perusse said.

Lead poisoning in children can cause numerous developmental problems, but Perusse said cases caught early enough can be successfully treated. Lead can be ingested through drinking water when plumbing materials corrode.  Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder, and many homes built prior to 1978 are at risk for lead-based paint.

Lead screenings are recommended for children ages 1 through 6. The test, which is covered by Medicaid, consists of a simple finger prick and takes 10 working days to process results. The test costs $10 for children who are not covered by Medicaid, but Perusse said nobody will be turned away for financial reasons.

The clinic will offer the test Aug. 27 and Sep. 29. Call 255-9099 for more information.