June 6, 2006

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services will offer walk-in registrations for its Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program at four clinics on June 12, 17 and 24.

Walk in registrations are set from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Southwest WIC, 6121 Hillcroft, June 12; West Montgomery WIC, 6719 W. Montgomery, June 17; and at Sunnyside WIC, 4605 Wilmington #178, and Airline WIC, 5990 Airline #200 on June 24.

For quick registration, applicants need to present identification, proof of address and income and the immunization records for all children under age five.
WIC provides to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, women who have given birth in the last six months and children up to age five who have nutrition health-related problems. Single fathers, grandparents and foster parents may also be eligible for WIC services for their children.

WIC’s goal is to reduce premature births, low birth weigh, the fetal death rate and long-term medical expenses. Typically, WIC provides prenatal and breastfeeding support for mothers, formula for infants who are not breastfeeding and supplemental foods such as cereal, eggs, milk, juice, peanut butter and cheese for women and children. Also, each participating infant or child and their siblings receive immunizations at no cost.

A single pregnant woman with an annual income of less than $18,130 qualifies for WIC services as well as a family of four with an annual income of less than $37,000. Applicants may qualify for WIC benefits even if they are currently working. For more information about enrolling in WIC, call 713-794-9090.