By Ellysa Harris
ellysa.harris@hearstnp.com

The Rural Health Network’s WIC office has a new mobile unit based out of Plainview.
“We’re calling it WIC On Wheels,” said Jenifer Gregory, director of operations for WIC. “Starting this month, we are going to set up our mobile clinic in Plainview and surrounding areas.”
The idea is to make WIC services more accessible to current and potential clients within the office’s coverage area, which includes the following counties: Bailey, Lamb, Deaf Smith, Parmer, Swisher, Hale, Floyd, Crosby, Motley and Castro.

“All of the 10 counties we serve are very rural,” Gregory said, later adding that some WIC clients have transportation problems. “We don’t have permanent clinics in all of those town. This allows us to set up in some of the smaller towns to serve some of those (clients).”
The unit is a fully-functioning clinic, she added. Any services you can get at the WIC office can be provided in the mobile unit. Walk-ins are welcome.
WIC provides support for health services for low-income pregnant women, new moms, infants and kids up to 5 years old, she said. The mission is carried out by providing nutritious foods, promoting and support breastfeeding and making referrals for health and social services.
The following criteria may determine WIC eligibility:
Pregnancy, breastfeeding or just had a baby
Have an infant or child under 5 years old
Meet income guidelines or have Medicaid, SNAP or TANF
Have a nutritional need
Live in Texas
Gregory mentioned that a schedule is still being set up to determine where WIC On Wheels will set up.
“We are still working to reach out to different organizations that will allow us to utilize their parking space,” she said.
Those interested in learning more about the WIC program or about WIC On Wheels can contact the RHN WIC office in Plainview at (806) 293-0182.