WIC

No program is more impactful for young families than The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Every year, over six million participants nationwide benefit from the federally funded program, which offers nutritious foods, breastfeeding counseling, and referrals to ensure families living on low incomes have the support they need to nurture healthy and well-developed babies.

As Maryland's leading WIC service provider and one of the largest in the Mid-Atlantic region, we know first-hand what the program means because we see it every day. WIC promotes participant well-being, gives them confidence, and, most importantly, improves infant health outcomes.

2022 proved to be a significant year for the WIC at CCI program. We achieved a breastfeeding initiation rate of 88.6%, 14% higher than the statewide average. In addition, our breastfeeding prevalence rate after six months was a remarkable 54.3%. These two metrics mean participating infants drastically reduced their chances of infection or early mortality thanks to the natural antibody properties found in breast milk.

Breastfeeding is not always easy for everyone, which is why WIC at CCI assists participants who struggle with latching by loaning electronic pumps out to those who need them. In 2023, we plan to give away 300 manual pumps.

PRIORITY: Expand to accommodate more participants

Part of what made 2022 a memorable year for the WIC at CCI program was our ability to offer in-person services at a time when other WIC centers still operated virtually.

We will continue to welcome more participants into the program and expand our reach over the next few years by partnering with local organizations to identify other groups potentially eligible for WIC, including refugees, active military personnel, and at-risk youth.

9,500+ HIV tests completed