Mountain State Times

The West Virginia Department of Health's Office of Nutrition Services (ONS) has announced support for a new pilot program, the Learn the Signs, Act Early (LTSAE) initiative, at Monongalia and Marion County WIC Clinics. This effort is designed to improve developmental screening for young children.

Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD) secured a $25,000 grant from the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) to implement The Developmental Monitoring Project. This project aims to provide WIC participants with essential information on early childhood developmental milestones and guidance on addressing developmental delays.

Set to begin in January 2025 and run through September 2025, the Developmental Monitoring Project will allow WIC clinics in Monongalia and Marion Counties access to expert technical assistance from ASPHN and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Staff will undergo monthly training webinars and in-person meetings with an ASPHN project manager to ensure thorough implementation of developmental screening protocols.

"This project will give our clinic staff the additional skills needed to make WIC a more holistic resource for nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and early intervention referrals for children not meeting developmental milestones," said Cami Haught, Nutrition Director at MCHD. "Although WIC has not previously focused on LTSAE, this training complements our existing Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment (VENA) process."

Heidi Staats, Director of the Office of Nutrition Services, praised MCHD's previous pilot programs: "The Monongalia County Health Department has consistently demonstrated leadership in piloting initiatives that strengthen WIC’s mission to improve maternal and child health outcomes."

Initially focusing on Monongalia and Marion Counties' WIC clinics, the program plans rapid expansion throughout MCHD's region, including Preston, Taylor, Harrison, and Doddridge Counties. Post-pilot phase evaluation by ONS may lead to statewide implementation.

For further details about this pilot program or general information about WIC services, interested parties can contact Camilla Haught at 304-598-5188 or visit dhhr.wv.gov/wic.