For more information, contact Kim Papich, SRHD Public Information Officer (509) 324-1539
 
SPOKANE, Wash. – March 19, 2013 – Spokane Regional Health District’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program kicks off spring by extending its hours of operations in most of its clinic locations.  
 
Beginning April 1, the following sites will operate from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (with no closures for lunch):

• Downtown – 1101 W. College Avenue, 324-1620
• NECC – 4001 N Cook, 323-2828
• Valley – 10814 E. Broadway Ave, 323-2800
• North – 5901 N. Lidgerwood Street, Ste 224]

“We want to be as flexible as we can in supporting Spokane’s nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children,” said Tiffany Schamber, WIC program manager. “Expanding our hours will improve access to our services, which is a win not only for our clients, but also our community. WIC is one of the nation’s most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs.”
 
WIC provides families with nutrition and breastfeeding education, as well as healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and whole grains.
 
According to Washington State Department of Health and Human Services data, there are thousands of women in Spokane County who qualify for WIC services based on income alone, but who do not participate. Even more concerning, the same data shows an even larger number of infants and children, five years and younger, in Spokane County who qualify for WIC services based on income alone, but who are not enrolled.

“Measures like expanding our hours will help us ensure that no family goes left underserved,” said Schamber.
 
Another recent measure to increase accessibility for WIC families is same-day appointment scheduling. Clients seeking same-day appointments can call their preferred clinic location between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to schedule.
 
These benefits and more are all detailed on WIC’s Web site at www.spokanewic.org, as part of its Growing Healthy Together campaign. Other highlights include:

• Online eligibility and enrollment features
• Clinic locations, directions and detailed bus route information
• Up-do-date income guidelines
• Testimonials from real WIC clients, as well as commercials featuring their success stories
• The latest WIC news, including information about federal and state budget decisions

Information can also be found at www.srhd.org. SRHD’s Web site offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Become a fan of SRHD on Facebook to receive local safety and wellness tips. You can also follow us on Twitter @spokanehealth.