WIC Comes to University Place

WIC has come to University Place.

Citing a recent report that shows some of the state’s worst health outcomes, including high rates of infant mortality and poor prenatal care, are in Pierce County, Sea Mar Community Health Centers announces the opening of its newest WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) center, located in University Place.

Sea Mar also operates WIC centers in Fife and Tacoma in Pierce County, and 6 WIC sites in the Puget Sound region of the state.

To publicly announce the availability of WIC services at University Place, Sea Mar will host an open house, including a ribbon-cutting, planned for next Tuesday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., 3560 Bridgeport Way West, Suite 1-A.

The center is across from the University Place Li brary, #2 bus line.

Confirmed participants at the Open House are Rep. Tami Green (District 28--Tacoma); Dr. Stan Flemming, Chair, Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health; University Place officials, Mayor Ken Grassi, and city council members, Caroline Belleci and Javier Figueroa; Laurie Jinkins, Deputy Director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department; and officials from Sea Mar.

Recent findings released from the 2011 revised report of the Washington State Home Visiting Needs Assessment indicates that Pierce County Council District 4, which includes University Place, had the highest risk scores in Washington State for infants and children – especially in the areas of low birth weight, infant deaths, and late or no prenatal care. Premature birth and low birth weight were among the top three leading causes of infant deaths in Pierce County.

“Our new WIC site in University Place provides critical services and resources to families where they are needed the most – right here in District 4 – to help combat these poor health outcomes,” said Antoinette Angulo, director of Sea Mar’s preventive health services.  “Sea Mar is committed to partnering with the health department in an effort to ensure that all pregnant women access prenatal medical, dental, mental health and substance abuse treatment and WIC services in Pierce County.”

WIC is a public health program that helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5-years-old get healthy foods during a time when it is crucial for them to get good nutrition. The program provides monthly checks to buy healthy foods like milk, eggs, cheese, whole-grain bread, rice, tortillas, cold cereals, fresh fruits, vegetables, and baby foods.

Sea Mar’s University Place WIC center, 3560 Bridgeport Way West, Suite 1-A, is open and taking calls for appointments.

Source: Sea Mar Community Health Centers