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Wayne County public health sees WIC caseload reduction; committee approves MDHHS CPBC amendment adding kindergarten oral‑health screening program
Summary
The committee approved an amendment to Wayne County’s CPBC agreement with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that reduces WIC funding due to lower enrollment (approx. 1,300 fewer clients) and includes new funding to implement a kindergarten oral‑health screening program and referrals to dental providers.
The Wayne County Health and Human Services Committee approved Amendment 2 to the fiscal year 2025–26 CPBC (comprehensive agreement) with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The amendment modifies funding allocations for several public health programs, including a reduction in WIC funding and a new allocation for a kindergarten oral‑health screening program.
Dr. Brianna Osorio, director of the public health division, said the state reduced WIC funding because Wayne County’s WIC enrollment has declined. The department estimated a reduction of approximately 1,300 clients in the WIC caseload; commissioners said the funding reduction amounted to roughly $600,000 (figures discussed in the meeting). Osorio and interim director Kaneille Johnson said staffing shortages and the end of broad virtual clinic allowances instituted during the COVID‑19 pandemic contributed to the reduced caseload; the state evaluates enrollment trends over a multiyear period to determine allocations.
Dr. Sheth, the county’s chief medical officer, described a new kindergarten oral‑health screening program that the state is rolling out. The program requires kindergarten oral‑health screening as part of school entry health forms (it does not bar school entry); the local health department will perform screenings and help navigate children identified with cavities or other needs to dental providers. The county plans to implement the screening in partnership with federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and University of Detroit dental program partners to close referral gaps.
Commissioners questioned where WIC services are provided; county staff described clinic locations in Wayne, Taylor, Hamtramck and others, and said some residents may receive WIC services from other jurisdictions or subcontractors, which contributed to enrollment shifts in county records. The amendment was moved by Commissioner McCormick and seconded by Commissioner Glenn; the motion carried.
