The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a vital resource designed to improve the health and nutrition of pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. The Andrew County Health Department proudly offers WIC services to ensure families have access to essential nutrition, education, and support. Here’s everything you need to know about the program, its benefits, and how to apply.  What is the WIC Program? WIC is a federally funded program that provides nutritional support to eligible families. Its goal is to improve the health outcomes of women, infants, and children by offering resources to promote healthy eating, breastfeeding, and overall well-being. Who is Eligible for WIC? You may qualify for WIC services in Andrew County if you meet the following criteria: Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women Infants and children under the age of 5 Families who meet income guidelines (based on household size and income level) Even working families may qualify, so it’s worth exploring eligibility if you’re unsure. Benefits of the WIC Program WIC offers a variety of valuable benefits, including: Nutritious Foods: Participants receive benefits for purchasing healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, and baby formula. Nutrition Education: Personalized guidance on healthy eating, meal planning, and dietary habits for both mothers and young children. Breastfeeding Support: Access to certified lactation consultants, breast pumps, and breastfeeding supplies to help mothers succeed in nursing their babies. Health Screenings and Referrals: Routine assessments to track your child’s growth and development. WIC can also connect families with additional healthcare and social services. Emotional and Peer Support: WIC offers peer counseling, support groups, and helpful resources to empower parents throughout their journey. How to Apply for WIC in Andrew County Applying for WIC is simple, and the Andrew County Health Department is here to guide you through the process. Follow these steps to get started: Contact the Andrew County Health Department: Call our office to schedule an appointment or inquire about program details. Gather Required Documents: Bring proof of income, proof of residency (such as a utility bill), and identification for all household members applying for benefits. Attend Your Appointment: During your visit, a WIC counselor will review your eligibility, discuss your family’s nutritional needs, and provide helpful resources. Receive Your Benefits: Once approved, you’ll receive WIC benefits on an eWIC card, which works like a debit card for purchasing eligible food items at approved retailers. Why Enroll in WIC? The WIC program is designed to give families the tools they need to create healthier futures. Whether you’re an expectant mother seeking prenatal support, a parent looking to improve your child’s nutrition, or someone in need of breastfeeding guidance, WIC can provide invaluable assistance. Get Started Today The Andrew County Health Department is dedicated to ensuring all eligible families have access to these essential resources. For more information about the WIC program, eligibility requirements, or to schedule an appointment, visit Andrew County Health Department or contact our office directly. Empowering families with healthy choices starts with knowledge and support. Don’t wait — discover how WIC can benefit you and your loved ones today!

Disasters often strike with little warning. Whether it is a severe storm, flood, power outage, or public health emergency, having a plan in place can make a world of difference. Emergency preparedness is not about living in fear. It is about giving yourself and your family the tools and confidence to respond calmly when challenges arise. At Andrew County Health Department, we work to support our community by providing information, resources, and programs to help families in Savannah and throughout Andrew County prepare for a variety of emergencies. This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or emergency response advice. Every family’s situation is unique, and personal plans should be created in consultation with local emergency management officials and healthcare providers when necessary. Why Preparedness Matters for Every Family Many people think emergencies will not happen to them. It is easy to believe that major disasters are rare or that someone else will always be available to help immediately. While first responders, public health teams, and community leaders work hard during emergencies, having a personal plan helps ensure you are ready to act without delay. Being prepared gives you: A clear understanding of what to do if communication lines are down Supplies to last several days if stores or services are unavailable Confidence to care for family members, including children, seniors, or pets Reduced stress when a situation becomes chaotic or confusing Emergencies in Andrew County often include severe thunderstorms, winter storms, flooding, and public health emergencies. Preparing for the types of events most likely to occur locally helps make your plan stronger and more practical. Building an Emergency Plan Creating an emergency plan is one of the most important steps your family can take toward disaster readiness. Your plan should cover the basics of communication, evacuation, and shelter. Some important elements to include are: A designated meeting place outside your home and another location outside your neighborhood Emergency contacts, including family members, neighbors, and local services A list of responsibilities for each family member, such as who grabs the emergency kit or checks on pets Multiple evacuation routes in case roads are blocked Plans for caring for young children, elderly family members, or individuals with special needs A backup plan if you are separated from loved ones when an emergency happens Once you create your plan, practice it with your family. Just talking about what you would do can make everyone feel more prepared and ready to respond. Building a Basic Emergency Supply Kit An emergency supply kit provides the essentials you need if you have to shelter in place or evacuate quickly. In Andrew County, where storms and power outages are real possibilities, having a kit ready can save valuable time. A basic kit should include: Water: at least one gallon per person per day for several days Non-perishable food: canned goods, granola bars, dried fruits Manual can opener Flashlights and extra batteries First aid supplies Medications and medical supplies Copies of important documents in a waterproof container Cell phone chargers and backup power banks Personal hygiene items Blankets or sleeping bags Local maps Cash in small bills Customize your kit based on your family’s needs. If you have infants, include diapers and formula. If you have pets, pack food and leashes. If someone in your household relies on medical devices that need power, have a backup plan ready. Emergency Preparedness for Families with Children Children rely on adults to keep them safe, but they also benefit from being included in preparedness discussions in age-appropriate ways. Teaching kids what to do can reduce fear and help them respond more effectively. Ways to prepare children include: Talking openly about possible emergencies in a calm, reassuring way Teaching them how and when to dial 911 Showing them where emergency supplies are kept Practicing evacuation drills Assigning simple tasks during drills, like grabbing a bag or checking on a pet Keeping a few familiar toys, games, or books in your emergency kit can also make a stressful situation easier for younger family members. Planning for Seniors or Individuals with Special Needs If your household includes older adults, people with mobility challenges, or individuals with medical conditions, it is important to build these needs into your emergency plan. Be sure to plan for: Extra medications and medical supplies Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or canes Transportation options if evacuation is necessary Written care instructions in case another caregiver needs to help Backup power options for medical devices Have these conversations early and often so no one is overlooked when time matters most. Staying Informed During Emergencies Reliable information is critical during emergencies. Knowing where to turn for updates helps you make smart decisions. Make sure you are: Signing up for local emergency alerts Following trusted sources like Andrew County Health Department and Missouri State Emergency Management Agency Keeping a battery-powered or hand-crank radio in your emergency kit Using trusted news outlets for weather and safety updates Double-check information you find online. Stick to official sources during emergencies to avoid confusion. Emergency Preparedness for Health Emergencies Public health emergencies like disease outbreaks also require planning. Health emergencies can unfold differently than natural disasters but being prepared helps. Make sure you have: An adequate supply of prescription medications Masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant supplies A plan for healthcare access if clinics are disrupted Strategies for caring for sick family members safely We are committed to providing up-to-date information and support during any public health emergencies affecting Andrew County. How We Support Emergency Preparedness in Andrew County At Andrew County Health Department, we are proud to help families stay ready through: Community education programs Public health services during disasters, like vaccination clinics and emergency shelters Up-to-date communications before, during, and after emergencies Partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to strengthen response efforts Emergency preparedness works best when we all work together. Our team is here to connect you to the tools, information, and support you need to protect your family and neighbors. Final Thoughts Emergencies can happen anytime. Preparing today gives you the peace of mind to face tomorrow with confidence. Creating a plan, building a kit, staying informed, and talking with your family about what to do are simple but powerful steps toward resilience. At Andrew County Health Department, we are here to help. For more information about emergency preparedness resources, or to learn more about how to get started, contact us today. Together, we can make Andrew County a safer and stronger place for everyone.