Health Care Reform
Harnessing the Power of WIC to Advance Health Care Reforms
Health care in the U.S. is reforming within a framework of reduced costs, better patient experiences, and improved health outcomes, with a focus on prevention. This aligns with the foundation of WIC.
The CalAIM initiative, California’s Medi-Cal transformation, provides opportunities for WIC and health care to be more closely aligned for whole person care with access to health care and social drivers of health. The resources here provide information on how WIC is a key partner in health care and the historic reforms taking place in California.
Our Work in Health Care Reform
The Power of WIC Through Data Linkages
Improving data exchange to support individual health care and social needs through the Data Exchange Framework (DxF) is a high priority for California. Led by California Health and Human Services, Center for Data Insights & Innovation (CDII) works across...
San Francisco WIC Linkage with Epic Electronic Health Record System
The Maternal Child and Adolescent Health section of the San Francisco Department of Public Health transitioned to Epic to streamline services for the MCAH population and support healthcare providers in delivering whole person care.
Los Angeles Multiple WIC Agency Linkage with Health Information Exchange
Watts Healthcare and Northeast Valley Health Corporation worked with Los Angeles Network for Enhanced Services to establish referrals and access to data needed for WIC enrollment and certification of patients being provided care by their respective health centers.
California WIC Local Agency Linkages: Shared Staff
California WIC local agencies partner with healthcare and other programs to facilitate access to WIC services and coordinate care for program participants.
Expanding Access to WIC Through Horizontal Integration
Read the report providing a brief overview of existing and proposed program linkages for serving WIC-eligible families.
California WIC Local Agency Linkages: Information Exchanges
Read the fact sheet summarizing linkages with health information exchanges which includes key findings, implementation, benefits and challenges.
California WIC Local Agency Linkages: Electronic Health Records
These fact sheets summarize linkages with health information exchanges and community information exchanges in California and also specifically San Francisco.
California WIC Local Agency Linkages: Hospitals and Home Visiting
The 84 local WIC agencies shared information about their partnerships and linkages in a survey conducted during 2023.
Santa Cruz Multi-Partner Linkage Supports WIC Referrals and Enrollment
Santa Cruz County learned how to make it easier for healthcare providers and community organizations to refer patients to WIC.
Riverside County Department of Public Health WIC Partnership
In this summary, we outline the work process, outcomes, next steps, and future of the partnership between Riverside Public Health and WIC.
Enhanced Care Coordination with Shared Staff at Community Medical Centers
Sharing staff integration provides more in-depth care coordination for patients. Read the summary which includes the process, outcomes, and success strategies.
IBCLC Workforce Overview: August 2023
CWA offers an overview to better understand the need and the cost of becoming an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for WIC.
Foreground to Horizon: Opportunities for WIC’s Next Half Century
This report presents some forward-looking ideas in the areas of integrating WIC with current opportunities in health care reform and prevention and expanding the use of WIC clinics.
Harnessing the Power of WIC to Advance Health Reforms: 2023
CWA is supporting the WIC staff and agencies in understanding and engaging in CalAIM reforms. Here are related resources.
WIC Tech: A Matter of Equity
Modern technology can reduce inequities that prevent access to the program by offering more ways to engage participants and meet diverse needs.
Preventive Nutrition Services: Joining Health Care Reforms
In this brief, we recommend health reforms to improve nutrition access and education by linking services and programs among health providers, health plan administrators, and community organizers.