WIC relocates to La Red Health Center

To better meet the needs of its clients, and those of Georgetown residents in general, the Delaware Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program has relocated to La Red Health Center at 21444 Carmean Way in Georgetown. On Sept. 28, the Division of Public Health held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony with La Red Health Center leadership, and representatives from the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, Mid-Atlantic Regional Office.

WIC moved its offices from the Thurman Adams State Service Center in August after DPH and La Red Health Center acted on their shared vision to offer medical and social services under one roof for WIC clients. Now, on the same days as their quarterly appointments, WIC clients can see La Red Health Center's primary care, chronic disease care, oral healthcare, and behavioral healthcare providers. Clients can also access Medicaid eligibility and enrollment, and Screening for Life programs in that building.

"Delaware Health and Social Services strategically integrates services in communities that need them most, and at this new location, pregnant women, new mothers, and young children who are enrolled in WIC can more easily access healthcare and other social services," said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay.

The move also overcomes transportation challenges many Georgetown residents face since so many services are now available under one roof. La Red Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides affordable care to Delawareans in need. The center also offers interpretation services, which is vitally important in facilitating client care.

"La Red Health Center offers two critical patient enabling services, interpretation and transportation, which help us overcome language and transportation barriers to care. We have interpreters and also utilize a language line to assist patients," said Brian Olson, chief executive officer for La Red Health Center.

“When available, we provide transportation for patients without insurance to their appointments at La Red Health Center or to the medical specialists we have referred them to for further follow-up. This location is far more convenient than the Adams State Service Center for clients. It is on the bus route, and the majority of the patients' medical needs and social services can be handled under one roof. WIC clients no longer have to drive, catch a bus, or find a ride to several locations for services - saving everyone time and money. Furthermore, La Red Health Center is within walking distance to WIC vendors such as Wal-Mart and Redner's."

"I am pleased that WIC will be conveniently located to so many other services available at the College Park location," said state Rep. Ruth Briggs King,R-Georgetown. "Families realize the benefit from centralized services, and Georgetown, and in particular this location, have become a hub of activity for quality healthcare, dental care, and related services."

Briggs King also said, "Working families living at or below the poverty line need foods that promote growth and good health, and WIC provides healthy choices for families. Unfortunately, the need for assistance has grown in Sussex County. But, La Red and the Division of Public Health continue to be there for Sussex families, by anticipating and responding to the needs in our community."

The WIC program serves women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum, and children and infants less than 5 years old by providing supplemental nutritious foods and supplemental formula at no cost to enrolled clients, who shop at grocery stores authorized to accept the program. WIC also provides breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare and social services agencies. Through these services, WIC strives to promote breastfeeding as the premier source of infant nutrition, and achieve fewer premature births, higher birth weights, lower infant mortality, and improved overall health.

"We praise Delaware's administration of the WIC program, which serves nearly 19,000 women, infants, and children statewide. WIC food packages along with the nutrition education that addresses the needs of our participants are the chief means by which WIC positively affects the dietary quality and habits of participants. Research consistently shows us that individuals who participate in WIC not only consume more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, but also that their diets have a higher Healthy Eating Index when compared to non-participants," said Patricia Dombroski, regional administrator, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Mid-Atlantic Regional Office.

For more information about WIC, including eligibility requirements, go to dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/chca/dphwichominf01.html or call 302-424-7220.