Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Health's Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has announced a partnership with the Office of Maternal, Child, and Family Health (OMCFH) to enhance lead testing in Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, and Ohio counties. This collaboration uses Medicaid Quality Improvement funding to improve access to lead testing for vulnerable groups and aims to better children's health outcomes in the area.

Since August 2024, WIC clinics in Ohio, Monongalia, and Marion Counties have joined Harrison County in providing lead testing. Over three months, these counties conducted more than 353 lead tests; 56 were completed in November alone. The initiative builds on Harrison County's efforts over two years following a water crisis in 2021.

“Our WIC clinics are uniquely positioned to provide lead testing to families who might not otherwise have access,” stated Heidi Staats, West Virginia WIC Director. “This partnership not only strengthens our ability to protect children from lead exposure but also reinforces WIC’s role as a critical health resource for families. By expanding testing, we’re taking an important step toward healthier futures for the communities we serve.”

The collaboration began in July 2022 when Harrison County WIC used Medicaid funding for clinic personnel time and testing supplies. This effort has been crucial as Harrison County achieved the highest percentage of children under 72 months tested for lead statewide according to WV Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Project (CLPPP) data from 2023-2024.

“We’ve seen the impact of lead testing firsthand in Harrison County," said Secretary Sherri Young, DO, MBA, FAAFP. She emphasized ongoing efforts for prevention: "Ensuring early detection of lead exposure is crucial for the health and development of our children. Through the dedication of our WIC team and partners, we’re expanding vital services and reaching more families who need them. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to protecting the well-being of West Virginians.”

Lead testing is accessible to eligible WIC participants and their family members across these counties with plans for further expansion contingent on additional funding availability.

For further details about this initiative or the West Virginia Department of Health’s WIC program visit their respective websites.