WIC

W I C

We began offering Women, Infants & Children (WIC) services in 1982. Through this program, our clients receive health assessment, nutrition education, and health care referrals. WIC services pregnant, lactating, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. WIC provides specific foods rich in iron, calcium and vitamins A and C in an effort to prevent health problems associated with inadequate nutrition.

Immunizations

Immunizations have been provided by our Health Department since 1943 for children, school age, and adults. Routine childhood immunizations are given according to CDC and Illinois State Health Department Guidelines. Those over WIC income, there is a minimal charge per shot. The adult immunizations require an order from a doctor and a fee will be charged for vaccines given.

Family Case Management

This program serves those women or families with children up to age 5 and who meet WIC guidelines in Lawrence County. The purpose of the program is:

To ensure that pregnant women and infants receive health services
To improve health status
To ensure that our clients understand the health care system
To assure women of childbearing age the maximum opportunity for a wanted pregnancy with a successful outcome
And to teach proper parenting skills.

Family Planning

Birth control is available to residents of Lawrence and surrounding counties. There is a minimal charge for pills, patches and injections. Male and female condoms are available at no charge. We do require proof of a pap smear done within the past 12-months and a prescription from a doctor for: Ortho-Novum 777, Ortho Tricyclen, Ortho Tricyclen Lo, Ortho Micronor, Ortho Evra Patch, and Depo-provera. A urine pregnancy test is also available at a minimal charge.

Screenings/Clinics

Blood Sugar, blood pressure, & cholesterol screenings are held one day a month at the Health Department by appointment only. Blood sugar and blood pressure screenings are conducted at the high rises once a month.

Lead screening is provided for children between the ages of 1 - 5. Lead poisoning remains a health risk for young children, and infants. Constant exposure to high levels of lead can cause delayed nervous system growth as well as delayed physical growth. If lead levels are considered dangerous, an investigation to determine the lead source is made.

Tuberculosis testing for Lawrence County residents is given on Monday, Tuesday or Friday.

Vision and Hearing program was begun to identify children who may have vision or hearing difficulties and provide appropriate referral for evaluation and/or treatment. We provide annual screenings to school age children, including the Head Start programs, according to the Illinois Vision and Hearing Test Act. Adult screenings are available by appointment at the Health Department.