New state regulations mandating the testing for lead in water in all public New York schools went into effect on Sept. 6, 2016. To comply with these state laws, the DOE has been testing all water outlets in all New York City schools for lead. You can access your school’s results on the DOE's Water Safety website.

Because lead does not absorb through the skin, state regulations do not require sinks that can be used for handwashing to be shut off if a sign is posted to tell people that the water is NOT to be used for drinking but can be used for handwashing. Water service to outlets found to have elevated levels of lead that are for the express purpose of drinking or cooking (i.e., fountains and kitchen sinks) must be shut off. Notify us if this is not being followed.

Following findings of elevated levels, the DOE will remediate the problem by identifying and removing whatever the source of the lead may be (i.e., brass fixtures, valves, fittings, solder, etc). The water will be retested for lead afterward. If the lead levels are below the state standard of 15 parts per billion (ppb), it can be returned to service and the sign be removed. If not, further remediation is required until test results show that lead levels are below 15 ppb at that outlet.

The water we source from the city is rigorously tested to ensure that it is safe; however, it may pick up lead once it enters a school building with lead in its plumbing system and especially after the water sits for long periods of time in pipes that may contain lead.

Citywide water testing in schools has occurred three times in the past, and historically we have not yet had a case of lead poisoning among members (and students) that was linked back to the water in their school. Nonetheless, we still recommend that if members think they have been exposed to lead that they ask their doctors for a blood lead test. Do let the UFT Safety and Health Department know if you have a diagnosis of elevated blood lead levels in your school. 

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact your district representative, borough safety and health specialist or the UFT safety and health department. To access your school’s water testing result, use the “Find a school” search function on the DOE website for school’s DOE page, click on “Data and Reports” and look for the “Facilities” heading.

Services include but are not limited to: immediate access to a full-time social worker to assess the health and wellness needs of the caller, on-going support from the helpline social worker, assistance with planning a leave of absence, health benefits information, MSK Direct (cancer care program) inquiries, referrals to quality community resources, and caregiver information and support.

You will receive immediate professional advice from a full-time social worker based on identified needs. The social worker will create a supportive plan and follow-up care with a series of telephone and/or in person contacts to assist the individual to resolve issues discussed during the initial assessment.

Yes. The Health and Cancer Helpline is available to individuals and their dependents who have been diagnosed with all types of medical or behavioral health illnesses.

Our caring staff will provide you with knowledge and information ranging from job leaves to accessing community resources. It may be useful to have a pen and paper available to take notes.

When you or a loved one are affected by illness and are in need of information, direction and support.

Yes, but we ask that you call ahead to schedule an appointment as this will ensure that time will be set aside for you.

Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the school year and 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday during the summer months. Please call the Health and Cancer Helpline at 212-539-0515 to speak with a social worker. 

No. Birth mothers must choose between two options:

1. Take the traditional maternity leave including any applicable right to borrow days and/or use a grace period; or
2. Take paid parental leave. Under this option, immediately following the birth of a child, a birth mother may choose to use up to six weeks of CAR days for a vaginal birth and may use up to eight weeks of CAR days for a C-section birth. Following the use of her CAR days, the birth mother can use paid parental leave for up to an additional six weeks — for a total of 12 to 14 weeks.

• If you physically gave birth to a child, you have the option to use your available CAR/sick day balance immediately after your child's birth, up to a maximum of six calendar weeks (eight weeks for a C-section) before taking paid parental leave.
• If you did not give birth to a child, you are eligible for up to six weeks of paid parental leave beginning on the date of the covered event.
• If both parents work for the DOE, as of the 2023 contract, they receive a combined total of 12 weeks of paid parental leave (six weeks each).