Author: Joseph Magyar

Press Release from NC DHHS

Raleigh, N.C. — Secretary Aldona Wos announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services has secured additional funds to continue the WIC program as of October 11, 2013. DHHS has determined it can ensure the stability of the program through the end of October using lapsing funds from the previous fiscal year, additional contingency funds from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and product rebates from WIC formula manufacturer, Nestle Foods.

“By securing sufficient funds, we are able to continue supporting the women and children who depend on WIC,” said Secretary Aldona Wos. “Our state is one of the highest volume states for the WIC program so we take the impact of the shutdown very seriously.”

In response to the federal government shutdown, the issuance of WIC vouchers was suspended on October 8 because DHHS did not have sufficient funds to issue new vouchers.

“Because of the uncertainty of the federal shutdown, we know this may only be a temporary solution,” said Wos. “But we are committed to meeting the needs of the people of North Carolina.”

Local health departments are being notified to resume issuing WIC vouchers.

The WIC Program has an annual budget of $205 million. During September, the program provided supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition education for almost 264,000 women, infants and young children in North Carolina. WIC also impacts more than 2,000 local grocery stores and other food businesses around the state.

Federal shutdown will impact local WIC office

BURLINGTON –The Alamance County Health Department received communication from the NC Department of Health and Human Services Nutrition Services Branch on October 8 that due to the federal shutdown, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, also known as the WIC program, will discontinue issuing benefits at close of business on Tuesday, October 8.  DHHS has determined that federal WIC funds available to the state will be sufficient to cover WIC vouchers already issued for the month of October, but not sufficient to issue additional vouchers.

According to state guidance at this time, individuals in need of services should continue to visit the WIC office and will be screened for eligibility.  Individuals found to be eligible will be placed on a wait list for vouchers but will receive nutrition education and other services at time of assessment.  As vouchers become available, the vouchers will be distributed to participants based on the wait list.

Current WIC recipients who have been issued vouchers may continue to use their current vouchers. WIC clients should keep their nutrition appointments and continue redeeming October vouchers and WIC vendors should continue normal operations to accept existing vouchers. Reimbursement of the vouchers is not affected at this time.

The Alamance County WIC office will remain open at this time to provide eligibility assessments, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.

“This will have significant effect on the women and children we serve,” stated Alamance County WIC Director Nicole Alston. “We will work with our community partners and do our best to refer our clients to other nutrition services and local food banks.”

WIC is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).  WIC serves children up to five years of age, infants, and pregnant women.  WIC provides healthy foods, health care referrals, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education.  Alamance County WIC served more than 4,500 individuals in September. Statewide, the program provided supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition education for almost 264,000 women, infants and young children in North Carolina in September.

BURLINGTON – The Alamance County Health Department will be hosting a rabies vaccination clinic on October 19 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Environmental Health Office at 209 N. Graham-Hopedale Rd. in Burlington.

“Vaccination will protect your pets and your families,” states Environmental Health Director, Carl Carroll. “This is a great opportunity to take advantage of low-cost rabies shots.”

The cost of the rabies shot at the clinic will be $5.00 per pet. Pet owners attending the vaccination clinic are reminded to keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers.

There have been six confirmed rabies cases thus far in 2013.  There were six total rabies cases in Alamance County for 2012.  There were a total of 432 rabies cases statewide in 2012.

For more information or questions about rabies control, vaccination requirements, or upcoming clinics, contact the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.