In Rowan County, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program plays a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. Serving as a lifeline for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children, WIC provides essential nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and access to nutritious foods. In areas where access to healthy food options may be limited, particularly in rural communities, WIC ensures that participants have access to vital resources such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. By addressing nutritional needs during critical stages of development, the WIC program helps to prevent malnutrition, support healthy growth and development, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, WIC serves as a valuable community resource, fostering connections between participants and local healthcare providers, social services, and other support networks, ultimately contributing to the overall health and resilience of families in the county.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program caters to a diverse range of individuals within the county, ensuring that no vulnerable group is left behind. This essential program is designed to support breastfeeding women who have given birth within the last 12 months, recognizing the critical nutritional needs of both mother and child during this pivotal period. Additionally, WIC extends its services to infants and children up to 5 years of age, recognizing the importance of early childhood nutrition in fostering healthy growth and development. Pregnant women, as well as those who have recently given birth within the last 6 months, are also eligible beneficiaries of the WIC program, receiving vital support and resources to promote their own health and that of their newborns. By encompassing such a broad spectrum of individuals, WIC ensures that every stage of life, from infancy through early childhood and pregnancy, is met with the necessary nutritional support and guidance.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has a profound impact on the community, touching the lives of individuals and families in various ways. Firstly, WIC promotes community health by ensuring that vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children, have access to nutritious foods and essential healthcare services. By addressing nutritional needs during critical stages of development, WIC helps to prevent malnutrition, support healthy growth and development, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, thereby improving overall community health outcomes. Additionally, WIC contributes to economic stability within the community by providing food assistance to eligible participants, reducing financial strain on families and freeing up resources for other necessities. Furthermore, WIC fosters community connections by serving as a hub for health education, breastfeeding support, and social services, bringing individuals and families together around shared goals of health and well-being. 

Refinement of the CHIP was done throughout 2022 and 2023. The WIC program and performance measure was added the the CHIP in 2024, therefore we have no progress to report in 2022 or 2023.

Rowan County Public Health has been actively collaborating with community partners to raise awareness about the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and help residents understand how to apply for these vital services. To reach a broader audience, the department has leveraged social media and other digital marketing strategies, including geofencing areas with low WIC participation to target specific neighborhoods and communities in need of information. These efforts ensure that eligible families are informed about the benefits of the WIC program and how to access healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. By using these innovative outreach methods, Rowan County Public Health is working to connect more residents to the resources they need for a healthier future.