Mountain State Times

The West Virginia WIC Program is advancing its mission to reach more eligible families through an innovative in-hospital certification pilot project. Launched in 2023 and expanded to a full-time initiative in September 2024, the program targets families in hospital labor and delivery units, facilitating enrollment in WIC before they leave the hospital.

The pilot allows WIC hospital liaisons to utilize Electronic Medical Record (EMR) reports to identify and certify participants directly at birthing hospitals. Families can leave the hospital enrolled in WIC, accessing breastfeeding peer counselors and nutrition education without needing a WIC clinic visit. Though prioritized for residents of six counties served by the Monongalia Agency, the program welcomes all West Virginia residents.

Dr. Arvin Singh, Health Secretary, stated, “Strengthening partnerships between WIC, healthcare providers, and hospitals not only enhances service delivery but also ensures that West Virginia’s families receive vital nutritional support from the start of their child’s life.” The program, Dr. Singh noted, is an honor to be part of and holds promise for future service.

Heidi Staats, Director of the Office of Nutrition Services, highlighted the efficiencies gained: “By eliminating the need for separate clinic visits, this program streamlines the certification process and improves participants retention.” Staats underscored the program's ability to overcome participation barriers such as transportation, scheduling, and eligibility awareness by integrating WIC certifications into hospital discharge procedures.

Since launching, the initiative has certified 106 people, educated 203 families, and facilitated numerous follow-up and hospital-based appointments. The project also emphasizes breastfeeding support, with 91 mothers starting breastfeeding and 68% continuing beyond six months—a notable improvement over the state's average duration rate.

Looking forward, the program intends to expand to seven more hospitals linked to WVU Medicine across additional WIC agencies, supported by a WIC Infrastructure grant. This will occur between fiscal years 2025 and 2027 and aims to refine data collection and enhance WIC accessibility statewide. Though the direct effect on overall participation rates is yet to be precisely measured, initial trends suggest increased postpartum enrollment. Further objectives include data refinement and evaluating effects on breastfeeding rates and participant engagement.

The success of the project draws from collaborations with the Monongalia County Health Department WIC Program, Nutrition Director Camilla Haught, WIC Hospital Liaison Christyn Rodeheaver, among other partners.

For more details about the program's impact and next steps, Heidi Staats, Director of the Office of Nutrition Services, can be contacted at Heidi.E.Staats@wv.gov or 304-558-0030.