Utilizing an outreach model at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) for prenatal WIC enrollment

Participation in the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is associated with decreased premature births and infant mortality rate, lower incidence of LBW, health care cost savings and earlier prenatal care. To reduce the risk of poor birth outcomes, an outreach process objective to increase first trimester WIC enrollment of pregnant women has been established within the state of Connecticut.

The Stamford Connecticut WIC Program, Stamford site, conducts prenatal outreach through collaboration with the Stamford Hospital affiliated FQHC. Each week, a multi-agency orientation for 10-20 new obstetrical patients is held in the FQHC. Represented agencies are situated in designated areas allowing for individual dialogues with the pregnant women. The WIC Outreach Worker (WOW) retrieves the orientation attendance and demographic list to assure that all attendees receive WIC overview and enrollment information. WIC Certification Forms (WCF), to be completed by an FQHC obstetrical provider, are either distributed to the women to bring to their first obstetrical appointments or, if a prenatal visit has previously occurred, routed directly to the obstetrical providers. Each week, while at the FQHC, the WOW collects completed WCF and contacts the women to schedule WIC certification appointments. A pilot survey indicates that 76% of orientation attendees follow through to WIC certification representing at least 50% of total monthly pregnancy certifications at this agency site. Partnership with a FQHC is a highly effective approach to prenatal WIC enrollment and a foundation for processes to increase first trimester program entry.