WIC Office Updates: Expanding Accessibility and Enhancing Breastfeeding Support

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The WIC office in Durham has been hard at work this year, with significant developments that will enhance support for breastfeeding families and make services more accessible to the community. We would like to share some of the highlights and key updates, including the recent relocation of the Live Well clinic, the expansion of dedicated breastfeeding spaces, and new partnerships that connect families to healthcare resources.

Relocation and New Sites

In an effort to optimize resources and increase service accessibility, the WIC Live Well clinic closed on August 30, 2024, and its services were divided across three new sites. By shifting to locations with free space, WIC has been able to redirect funds toward community programs rather than rent. The new locations include:

  • Health Department Suites: Two suites within the main Health Department building, with one focused exclusively on breastfeeding support.
    • Clinic A
      • 414 E Main St, Clinic # A, Durham, NC 27701
      • Call 919-560-7824 for appointments
    • Clinic B
      • 414 E Main St, Clinic # B, Durham, NC 27701
      • Call 919-403-1339 for appointments
  • El Centro Hispano: A thriving partnership with El Centro Hispano, which has significantly expanded access for Spanish-speaking families.
    • 2000 Chapel Hill Rd, Suite 26A, Durham, NC 27707
    • Call 919-403-1300 for appointments
  • Families and Communities Rising (Head Start): WIC has re-established a clinic within Families and Communities Rising (Head Start), allowing a smooth transition back to their old suite, now improved with a dedicated lactation room.
    • 215 W Seminary Ave, Durham NC 27701
    • Call 919-403-1398 for appointments

Thanks to close collaboration with OB/GYN and family medicine clinics, community centers, and educational programs within these facilities, these sites provide essential resources and strengthen WIC’s outreach.

Enhanced Breastfeeding Support

Each of the three new locations has a designated lactation room equipped with comfortable furniture and private spaces to create a breastfeeding-friendly environment. These rooms are a testament to WIC’s commitment to making breastfeeding resources available to all families. Moreover, Murriel Fozard, WIC’s lactation coordinator, continues to provide hands-on support to breastfeeding families at each site.

At Families and Communities Rising, WIC has integrated a dedicated breastfeeding room around the corner from their main office. El Centro has provided two separate rooms, ensuring a welcoming and private space for breastfeeding families. WIC’s new health department suite, previously a COVID-19 vaccination area, has also been transformed to serve as a lactation-support clinic, including exam rooms that allow families to receive specialized support.

Community Integration and Outreach

WIC’s presence in the community is growing. They are setting up tables at various outreach events, working alongside Lincoln Community Health Center’s other departments to address Durham’s high food insecurity rates, and making strides to establish a medical home for each child seen by WIC. The recent inauguration of the Lakewood Clinic, which serves as a pediatric referral site, is already providing benefits for families who may need multiple services in one convenient location.

In terms of outreach, WIC plans to participate in more community events, aiming for at least one per month, with support from Lincoln’s outreach efforts. By working closely with Breastfeed Durham, WIC is identifying local family-focused events, such as Book Harvest‘s annual summer celebration at the Durham Ballpark, where they can connect with over 3,500 families, including many breastfeeding parents.

Partnership with Breastfeed Durham and WIC

As WIC enhances its breastfeeding resources, we at Breastfeed Durham have offered to provide educational materials, artwork for lactation spaces, and practical support for community events. This partnership is a shared mission to support breastfeeding families and address broader perinatal health needs in Durham.WIC’s progress and dedication underscore the commitment to making breastfeeding resources accessible and fostering a family-friendly community. We look forward to future collaborations and will keep our community updated on WIC’s growth and outreach initiatives.