Chavez appointed national equity champion

WIC programs strive to increase equity in programming

PRESS RELEASE
June 7, 2023

The National WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Association recently selected five individuals to become national health equity champions (HECs). After a nationwide selection process, Garfield County WIC Lead Educator Brisa Chavez was appointed to the position.

As a HEC, Chavez receives in-depth training and work with the National WIC Association to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion in WIC programs across the country by strengthening and diversifying the WIC workforce with qualified staff.

WIC has a strong record of effectively improving maternal and child health through nutrition, birth outcomes, and breastfeeding rates. Through the HEC program, WIC will work to increase its ability to recruit and retain culturally responsive and sensitive staff who reflect WIC’s diverse client population.

Enhancing the WIC workforce with highly qualified employees is critical to providing the best quality of services to program participants.

“We want WIC clients to receive culturally appropriate care,” Chavez said. “I am honored to have been selected as a health equity champion to continue on this journey toward health equity in our communities.”

More about WIC
WIC provides funds to purchase healthy food, breastfeeding support, personalized nutrition counseling, and recipes, and helps to connect to other health services. It is free for moms, dads, grandparents, foster parents, and all Colorado families who qualify regardless of citizenship.

Whether you are pregnant, already a mom, or raising a child younger than 5, you can receive personalized support for yourself and your family. Individuals receiving SNAP and other public benefits are automatically income-eligible for WIC.

Apply online or in person at Garfield County Public Health, 195 W. 14th St., Rifle, or 2014 Blake Ave. in Glenwood Springs. Garfield County Public Health information is provided online on the public health website.