Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center to expand WIC progam

Hawai’i Island Community Health Center has expanded its Women, Infants, and Children program locations now available in Waikōloa and launching services in Kealakehe in April, as well as through telemedicine or video visits for those in need.

The Health Center’s newest WIC team and locations are in addition to established programs in Pāhoa and Ka’ū.

An additional WIC service location, likely in one of community health center’s school-based locations, is pending for later this year. WIC services at the health center are aimed at providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, and are offered as part of an integrated model alongside healthcare and support services.

“We believe that every family deserves access to nutritious food, quality healthcare, and comprehensive support services,” added HICHC WIC Administrator and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Dr. Stacy Haumea. “Through the expansion of our WIC program, we are taking big steps towards building healthier mamas, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk across Hawaii Island.”

The WIC program, a vital resource for pregnant women, new mothers and young children, provides nutritious food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and access to healthcare referrals to ensure the well-being of Hawai‘i’s most vulnerable populations. With the expansion of program locations, the Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center is poised to serve an even greater number of families in need, fostering healthier communities and brighter futures for all.

Hawai’i Island Community Health Center CEO Richard Taaffe said the expansion of the WIC locations, represents a significant milestone in ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of families across Hawai‘i Island.

“By expanding our reach, we aim to empower more Hawai‘i Island families with the resources and support they need to thrive,” Taaffe said.

The WIC program expansion provides:

Increased Accessibility: WIC clinic locations are now strategically located across Hawaii Island to better serve rural and underserved communities. WIC offices are housed at the Health Center’s Pāhoa, Ka‘ū, Kealakehe and Waikōloa locations.

The introduction of new programs and initiatives, including nutrition education and health workshops, health screenings and breastfeeding support groups, to empower families with the knowledge and skills to make healthy nutritional choices. On a more local level, the Federally funded program recently approved poi to the list of nutritional food options, an option that makes local island
families happy.

For more information about Hawaii Island Community Health Center and its WIC program and locations, visit www.hicommunityhealthcenter.org or call the WIC Team at 808-965-3030.