Media Contact: Kelli Hawkins | khawkins@srhd.org | (509) 324-1539, c (509) 994-8968

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) Women, Infant and Children Nutrition Program (WIC) is taking another step to eliminate health barriers faced by high school parents and their children by making monthly visits to Lumen High School, a public charter school committed to the support of teen parents.

Moving students’ WIC appointments on-site will allow consistent access to nutrition support and eliminate the need to miss school for services. Having WIC services on location will allow students and their infants to receive health screenings, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and help accessing monthly benefits while promoting academic success.

SRHD strives to locate WIC offices in areas with the highest need of services to increase accessibility. WIC staff began providing on-site services at Lumen High School in October 2021, because high school parents were often faced with the decision between missing their appointment or missing school.

“If a parent has to find a way to get to their infant’s daycare, their appointment, back to the daycare, and back to school, it not only makes appointments extremely stressful, but adds a barrier to their education,” says Teresa Kafentzis, WIC program manager. “By meeting them where they are, in a familiar setting, we can support their health and academic outcomes.”

WIC services are available to individuals who are income eligible and are pregnant, a new mother, or have a child under the age of 5. Individuals can either visit WIC’s program site or call (509) 324-1620 more information and office locations. Individuals interested in learning more about Lumen High School can visit lumenhighschool.org or call (509) 606-7888.