WIC saves lives and improves the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children. The results of studies conducted by FNS and other non-government entities prove that WIC is one of the nation’s most successful and cost-effective nutrition intervention programs. Since its beginning in 1974, the WIC program has earned the reputation of being one of the most successful federally-funded nutrition programs in the United States. Collective findings of studies, reviews and reports demonstrate that the WIC program is cost effective in protecting or improving the health/nutritional status of low-income women, infants and children. 

To be eligible for the WIC program, applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• Categorical
• Residential
• Income
• Nutrition Risk (View details about WIC’s eligibility requirements.)

When you’re pregnant or a new mom, it helps to talk to other moms who know what you’re going through. That’s the idea behind WIC peer counselors. They’re moms in your community who breastfed their own babies. They will give information and support to moms like you.

Children of all ages need complete health check-ups on a regular basis to promote better health for their future. With scheduled check-ups, minor health problems in children can be caught before they become serious. Physical, mental or developmental problems can also be found and treated early. Immunizations can be given at routine check-ups to prevent childhood diseases such as chickenpox, mumps, or measles.

Areas of health care that are checked during exams are:

• Medical history and physical exam
• Vision and hearing
• Immunization status
• Nutrition
• Age appropriate health education for parents
• Lab testing including blood lead level

Children should get health check-ups regularly at the recommend screening intervals. School physicals are available at the Health Department.

The Kentucky Oral Health Program (KOHP) has a long, proud history with the Kentucky Department for Public Health. In 1928, Kentucky became​ the third state in the nation with a public dental health program. The KOHP offers a variety of programs and services to help the citizens of Kentucky achieve optimal oral health for a lifetime of smiles. These programs and services include, but are not limited to, fluoride supplements, fluoride varnishes and hygiene services. 

Fluoride varnishes primarily are applied to prevent tooth decay among pediatric patients at a high risk. The KOHP provides funding for fluoride varnish programs in local health departments and offers training to local health department nurses in the areas of oral health screening and fluoride varnish application. Individuals who benefit most from this program include children ages 0 – 5 years with a family history of decay, low levels of fluoride in their drinking water or limited access to dental care.