Johnson County health officials urge increased WIC participation through data sharing initiatives

Johnson County is taking significant steps to enhance participation in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides essential nutritional support to vulnerable populations. During the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 10, 2025, officials highlighted the program's positive impact and the need for increased outreach to eligible individuals.

Currently, approximately 7,400 residents benefit from WIC services annually, yet an estimated 6,500 eligible individuals are not participating. This gap represents a missed opportunity for families to access vital nutritional assistance. Research indicates that for every dollar spent on WIC, there are about $3 in healthcare savings, underscoring the program's economic and health benefits.

To address the low participation rates, county health officials are implementing strategies to improve outreach. One key approach involves sharing and matching data with Medicaid to identify potential WIC participants. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the program's benefits and streamline the enrollment process. In 2024, the county's health department began utilizing Medicaid data to reach out to eligible women who recently gave birth, many of whom were unaware of their eligibility for WIC.

The meeting also discussed recent changes in state contracts with managed care organizations, which now require better coordination and data sharing between Medicaid and WIC. This shift is expected to enhance the efficiency of outreach efforts and potentially increase participation in the program.

While the county is optimistic about these developments, there are concerns regarding the resources needed to accommodate an influx of new participants. The health department is preparing for the possibility of increased workload but faces uncertainty about the timing and extent of additional state resources.

In conclusion, Johnson County's proactive measures to boost WIC participation reflect a commitment to improving community health outcomes. As officials continue to refine their outreach strategies, the hope is that more families will benefit from the essential services provided by the WIC program.