Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services September 19, 2005 WIC Update
SUBJECT: Hurricane Katrina - Key Information for Participants and Retailers/Vendors
SUBJECT: Formula Availability
SUBJECT: Track Training Changes
SUBJECT: Hurricane Evacuee Tracking Form and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
SUBJECT: NEW TEL-LINK BROCHURE AVAILABLE
- In order to assure that qualified victims of Hurricane Katrina receive WIC supplemental foods in the most efficient manner, the following has been mandated by USDA:
Key Information for Participants and Retailers/Vendors
- As a result of the relocation of Hurricane Katrina victims to
many different areas, the Louisiana and Alabama WIC State Agencies have
determined that September food instruments may be accepted by any
WIC-authorized vendor in any State. - Any store that accepts the out-of-State food instrument must
inform the participant that she/he must contact the WIC office in that
State to get certified and receive new food instruments if she/he plans
to remain in that State after September 2005. - If at all possible, the participant should receive the contract
brand infant formula specified on the food instrument. Further, if it is
not possible for the vendor to provide the brand items listed on the
check, the vendor may substitute a similar item from the State's
WIC-approved food list. - The Louisiana or Alabama WIC State Agency is responsible for the
cost of the food instrument. The out-of-State vendor should deposit the
food instrument in its bank account which would charge the amount
against the Louisiana or Alabama State Agency's bank account.
- It has come to our attention that the Enfamil Next Step LIPIL and Enfamil Next Step ProSobee LIPIL in 12 ounce cans is sometimes difficult for our WIC participants to obtain. We are asking that once you receive a request for Enfamil Next Step LIPIL or Enfamil Next Step ProSobee LIPIL to first check with the vendors to see if the product is available or if they can obtain the product within 72 hours. If the product is not available or cannot be obtained within 72 hours, please contact the State WIC office.
If you have any questions on this product, please contact Takako Tagami at 1-800-392-8209 or e-mail Takako.Tagami@health.mo.gov.
- We're changing Track Training! Effective January 1, 2006, the pre-requisite for attending Track training will only require the completion of the "Orientation to WIC" module, which is a link from the WOM and Resource Center under "About the Missouri WIC Program". CDs with modules will no longer be mailed to attendees scheduled to attend Track training. Pre-registration is still required. Track training will be more interactive & "hands on" and all training materials will be provided at each training site. If you have questions about the changes to Track training, please contact D'Anne Ward at danne.ward@health.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8209.
- Attached is the form for tracking hurricane evacuees that the LWP will have for the week of Sept 18 - 24, 2005. Please complete and submit to Glenn Studebaker at the end of your week. If you have not processed any hurricane evacuees, it is not necessary to submit the form.
- NEW TEL-LINK BROCHURE AVAILABLE: TEL-LINK is the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ confidential, toll-free telephone line for maternal and child health care. The purpose of TEL-LINK is to provide information and referrals to Missouri residents concerning a wide range of health services. Callers are given referrals and then are transferred immediately to the appropriate agency. A new TEL-LINK brochure was recently printed and is now available to the public. Please call 1-800-TEL-LINK (1-800-835-5465) to order free copies of the brochure.
Attachments:
Attachment #2 - FAQ's
Attachment #3 - LA001