WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Free health testing related to past groundwater contamination is now available for people with direct connections to the area commonly known as 29th and Grove, in northeast Wichita and nearby neighborhoods.
Anyone who lived, worked, went to school, attended church, or spent time near the 29th and Grove area from the 1970s to today is encouraged to visit ClearwayTesting.org to learn more and connect with a testing partner.
Where to get tested
Testing is available at no cost through five community health organizations:
- GraceMed Health Clinic
- HealthCore Clinic
- Hunter Health
- Love Clinic & Med Spa
- Wichita Black Nurses Association
March 9 marks the coordinated launch of testing across all five partners, along with the public launch of ClearwayTesting.org and a public awareness campaign. The Wichita Black Nurses Association began hosting community testing events in December.
Background on contamination
In fall 2022, many residents of 29th and Grove learned for the first time of a large chemical spill that contaminated groundwater beneath their homes. The exact cause and date of the spill are still unknown, but believed to have happened in the 1970s. The chemical is a carcinogen and health officials recommend residents seek health testing if they were exposed to the contamination.
Over time, other groundwater contaminations have occurred across Sedgwick County, creating the need to ensure testing is available to all residents.
About the initiative
The ClearwayTesting.org website serves as a central resource where people can learn about groundwater contamination involving trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), understand who may benefit from testing, and connect with local testing partners. The site will expand over the next 60–90 days to include additional information and resources and is expected to grow into the primary source of information about groundwater contamination in the 29th & Grove area over the next year…