From WOOD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Wood County WIC, a division of Wood County Health Department, was awarded the USDA Breastfeeding Award of Excellence—an honor given to only four local WIC programs in Ohio this year.
This recognition highlights the work of Wood County WIC staff, who support breastfeeding families through prenatal education, one-on-one guidance, and access to lactation professionals. Their dedication ensures that families receive the encouragement and resources needed to succeed in their breastfeeding journey.
To coincide with National Breastfeeding Month in August, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel recently signed a proclamation declaring August as Ohio Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Additionally, this year, Ohio adopted the Aug. 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Prioritize breastfeeding: create sustainable support systems.” This theme focuses on meeting families where they are while highlighting the need to improve breastfeeding support from all areas.
To celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Month, Wood County WIC hosted its annual “Breastfeeding Celebration” on Aug. 11 at Simpson Garden Park, bringing together 25 participants. Families connected with breastfeeding advocates, peers, and local partners – including Help Me Grow, Wood County Hospital, HerChoice Pregnancy Center, and Humana – to celebrate their breastfeeding journeys and learn about community resources. Events like this reflect the ongoing commitment that earned Wood County WIC recognition for excellence in breastfeeding services.
Breastfeeding is widely accepted as an effective strategy to promote positive health outcomes for both birthing parents and their babies. Research has shown that breastfeeding is a key factor in reducing the risk of disease for birthing parents and infants, including respiratory illness, ear infections, allergies, and some cancers. A person’s early experience with breastfeeding can affect whether and how long they continue to breastfeed, and providing support at every level can help reduce barriers to breastfeeding.
The mission of Wood County Health Department is to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles, and protect the health of everyone in Wood County. Its Community Health Center provides comprehensive primary medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services for people of all ages. Wood County Health Department welcomes all patients, including uninsured or underinsured clients, regardless of their ability to pay, and accepts most third-party insurance. To learn more about Wood County Health Department, WIC, or be connected to services, visit www.woodcountyhealth.org.
