WIC program fully operational; veterans receiving disability, pension checks amid shutdown
By Masaki Ova
JAMESTOWN — The North Dakota Women, Infants & Children Program is fully operational and veterans are still receiving disability and pension checks despite the federal government shutdown, according to officials with Central Valley Health District and the Stutsman County Veterans Service Office.
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services has reported that its mandatory entitlement programs, including the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program, are expected to continue without disruption, said Jill Wald, director of WIC at the Central Valley Health District, in an email to The Jamestown Sun.
“As of now, there are no disruptions to WIC funding, and all services are continuing as usual,” Wald said. “WIC participants should continue to use their benefits and attend appointments as scheduled. If a government shutdown leads to any change in funding, Central Valley Health District’s WIC staff will immediately notify participants and provide guidance on next steps.”
Other services or programs at Central Valley Health are not affected by the government shutdown, said Shannon Klatt, director of health promotion at Central Valley Health, in an email to The Jamestown Sun.
“CVHD will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if anything changes,” she said.
The U.S. government shut down on Oct. 1. The government shutdown will extend into next week after the U.S. Senate failed to advance two spending proposals.
Wald said it is difficult to predict the long-term impacts of a federal shutdown.
“We will continue working closely with our state partners to maintain WIC services and support for our participants for as long as possible,” she said. “If any changes occur, we will communicate updates to participants immediately.”
If any disruptions occur in WIC funding, she said Central Valley Health will follow the guidance and direction of North Dakota WIC.
Wald said WIC is an essential service in the community that protects the health of low-income pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants and children younger than 5 years old. She said the program provides healthy supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care services such as prenatal care, immunizations and medical support for children
“By supporting the nutritional needs of at-risk families, WIC helps promote healthy growth, development, and long-term well-being,” she said.
The WIC program at Central Valley Health serves 400 participants per month from Dickey, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh and Stutsman counties, Wald said.
WIC participants who have questions or concerns can contact Central Valley Health District at (701) 252-8130 for more information.
“We understand that news of a government shutdown can be concerning, but we want to reassure clients that our office is currently operating as usual,” Klatt said. “We encourage residents to stay informed through our social media platforms and online at centralvalleyhealth.org .”
WIC participants who have questions or concerns can contact Central Valley Health District at (701) 252-8130 for more information.
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