Wichita Black Nurses With GraceMed Testing Individuals Impacted by Chemical Spill

GraceMed Health Clinic and the Wichita Black Nurses Association are collaborating on educating and testing families and individuals impacted by the Chemical Spill that occurred at the Union Pacific railyard in Wichita near 29th and Grove.

Trichloroethylene, the primary contaminant, is a colorless, nonflammable and volatile liquid, evaporates quickly in the air, and has a sweet odor. It is used primarily as a solvent to remove grease from metal parts.  

However, TCE is also a carcinogenic, meaning it may cause cancer in the kidneys, kidney pelvis, testicles, and liver. Studies have indicated TCE may cause miscarriages, congenital heart defects and low birth weight in babies. Kacnsas Department of Health and Environment completed a health study at request of the community and found the rate of liver cancer for African American residents of the toxic spill area is two times the state average rate.

With a grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and other grantors, GraceMed and WBNA will facilitate providing educational information and no-cost lab screening tests for individuals impacted by the spill.  Working with GraceMed’s COO Jason Ybarra and Chief Medical Officer and Interim CEO Dr. Julie Elder, they’ve developed a plan to take testing to community churches, activity centers, and senior living facilities.

A schedule for the no-cost testing has been set through August 24.  All individuals who lived in the spill area that runs from 29th and Groves south to Murdock, east to Grove and west to I-135 are encouraged to take advantage of the free testing.  No insurance is necessary. Only your drivers’ licenses or a state issued ID is required.

The tests include a simple blood draw and collection of a urine sample.  The blood is for a chemistry profile and a complete blood count and the urine analysis is testing for blood in the urine.  The blood will be tested for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).  High levels of AFP can be a sign of cancer of the liver, ovaries or testicles. 

Tested individuals will be notified by GraceMed within 7-14 days of their test results and the test results will be released to their primary care clinic. 

The first Mobile TCE lab was held May 4 at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1625 N. Madison, GraceMed medical staff volunteers, COO Ybarra and the Wichita Black Nurses screened 20 individuals.  They also provided health education on TCE, offered blood pressure and blood sugar finger sticks, and agent Sylvester Thompson was available and provided information on Medicare, LegalShield, and Legacy Assurance. 

WBNA plans to invite other relevant vendors to future TCE screenings as a way to provide information to positively impact the health and wellbeing of individuals in attendance.  

Since 2020, the Wichita Black Nurses Association have administered thousands of COVID-19 vaccines, predominately in Northeast Wichita.  During the last year and a half, they have partnered with GraceMed in administering the updated Covid-19 Spikevax booster in Wichita.

For more in-depth information go to: https://gracemed.org or https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/