Local health department now offering curbside services

The Jackson Madison County Regional Health Department WIC Center is offering participants a new way to access their services without even leaving the car.

The WIC Center wanted to make sure that their participants felt safe while going to appointments.

Most of their participants are pregnant women, a population that is high risk when it comes to COVID-19.

“We want people to feel safe whenever they are coming to their wic appointment, so this is a great opportunity for them to stay by themselves in their vehicle away from others while they are waiting to get their vouchers, get a card replacement, and eventually while they are waiting to be seen by one of our nutritionist", says public information officer for the department, Mallory Cooke.

Participants will simply make an appointment, go to the WIC center, pull in to a designated curbside spot, and follow the instructions on the sign.

Cooke adds, “you just call make your appointment, whenever you get here pull up in the designated spot call the number on the sign and one of WIC staff members will come out and help you.”

Staff hope this will also help practice social distancing when they re open their waiting room.

Participants that are not comfortable with waiting inside can wait in their cars.

“Once that changes and more people start having to come back in the office this will be able to extend our waiting room. So, people can wait in the car and don’t have to wait inside around other people", says Cooke.

The WIC Center will begin their curbside services on July 1st. Imani Williams, for 39 news, in Jackson.