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Montefiore Health System's New WIC Center in the Bronx

Montefiore Health System has proudly announced the opening of its fourth Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program location in the Bronx. This new facility is set to meet the growing nutritional needs of mothers and infants in the area, emphasizing healthy development and well-being. Supported by a substantial $3.9 million investment from New York State, this WIC site aims to bridge the gap for over 13,000 families who lack access to vital nutritional resources.

In the Bronx, where food insecurity rates are alarmingly high, services like those provided by the WIC program are a lifeline for many families. As stated by Dr. Carmen Nauta, WIC Coordinator for Montefiore Medical Group, the demand for nutrition education and social support is escalating. "We are grateful for the funding that allows us to provide personalized guidance for families, addressing both their nutritional and health requirements," Dr. Nauta noted.

The WIC program, established in the 1970s at the federal level, primarily focuses on enhancing the nutritional intake of women, infants, and children up to five years old. This New York State initiative currently assists around 425,000 individuals each month, providing them with an extensive array of services, including nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and community connections.

One of the unique aspects of Montefiore's WIC program is its ability to evolve and adapt to the needs of today's families. With expanded hours, remote services, and a virtual assistant named "Ask Wanda," the program is now more accessible than ever before. It also collaborates with Project Bravo Food Pantry, which is aimed at addressing food scarcity issues among at-risk populations. Additionally, local partnerships with community organizations ensure that critical educational resources are shared throughout health fairs, libraries, and women's shelters.

Tasnima, a 27-year-old Bronx mother of two, has been a participant in the Montefiore WIC program for nearly three years. Her experience was so impactful that she chose to become a peer counselor to help guide other new moms. "This program is vital for mothers seeking support and understanding when it comes to parenting challenges," shared Tasnima. "We create a space to check in on one another and connect families with resources they may not know about."

The benefits of participating in WIC are supported by ample research; it has been linked to healthier birth outcomes, improved birth weights, reduced risk of infant mortality, and better overall access to healthcare services. Through Montefiore's program, new mothers have connected with lactation consultants, gained insights on breastfeeding, and participated in workshops addressing various parental topics, including childbirth, safe sleeping practices, and car safety.

The establishment of this new WIC location underlines Montefiore's unwavering commitment to enhancing health outcomes for parents and children throughout the Bronx. As one of New York's premier academic healthcare systems, Montefiore is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized, and accountable care to nearly three million residents in the Bronx, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley regions.

For more information about Montefiore Health System and its initiatives, visit www.montefiore.org. You can also follow them on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube for updates and health tips.

In conclusion, the new WIC center exemplifies how healthcare providers can make a significant difference in the community, ensuring that every mother and child have access to essential nutritional resources and support.