Jackson County Health Department celebrates 75 years of service

JACKSON Co., Ill., (KBSI) – The Jackson County Health Department is celebrating its 75th anniversary, highlighting its Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which has been serving the community for 48 years.

Since its inception in December 1976, the WIC program has provided supplemental nutrition and benefits to eligible families with children from birth to age 5. Eligible families include parents, grandparents, foster parents, and stepparents, as well as pregnant, postpartum, or those who have suffered a recent pregnancy loss.

The program has grown consistently over the years, with an average caseload of 1,050 clients over the last decade. This year, the program is expected to serve over 1,215 individuals.

The WIC program has had a significant economic impact on the local community, with food benefit redemptions totaling $741,835 in fiscal year 2023.

In addition to providing nutritious foods, the program offers breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and connections to healthcare providers and community programs.

For more information or to check eligibility, please call the Jackson County Health Department at 618-684-3143 ext. 148 or visit, Jackson County Health Department