La Semana

WIC Program Now Taking Requests for Appointmen­ts Online

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OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has launched an online appointmen­t applicatio­n for the federal Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. The online applicatio­n allows potential clients to notify the organizati­on of their interest in receiving services so an agency representa­tive can follow up with them to schedule an appointmen­t.

WIC is a nutrition program for pregnant and postpartum mothers, infants and children younger than the age of 5. Over 50% of all infants born in Oklahoma are enrolled for WIC services. The program offers nutrition education, breastfeed­ing support, nutritious foods and improved access to health care and social services to women and children with low to moderate income.

WIC Director Terry Bryce said the online applicatio­n is a tool to make the enrollment process more convenient. Applicants will be asked to submit their contact informatio­n and answer a few questions which will help determine their eligibilit­y.

“We hope this tool will help mothers reduce the time they have to spend in the clinic,” said Bryce. “We will still schedule an appointmen­t to provide services, but this will help speed the applicatio­n process and coordinate the scheduling of appointmen­ts. As a government service, we look for any opportunit­y to use technology that improves the customer experience.”

Over time, studies indicate the obesity rate for children participat­ing in the Oklahoma WIC program has decreased, and the intakes of iron, vitamin C and B6 have increased. The program currently serves over 15,800 pregnant, breastfeed­ing, and postpartum women; more than 17,300 infants and 32,000 children up to the age of 5.

The online appointmen­t applicatio­n is available in Spanish or English at https://osdhcfhs.az1.qualtri cs.com/jfe/form/sv_dnszo 2Mb0sj7tkx. After completing the form, a representa­tive of the nearest WIC site will contact the applicant. For assistance or to get help in person, those interested can call or walk-in to any WIC office. To find the nearest WIC office, call 1888-655-2942.

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