The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program plays a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of families during the earliest and most important years of life. 

At UIHS, our WIC team provides nutrition support, breastfeeding guidance, and access to healthy foods for infants, children under five, pregnant individuals, and new parents. 

WIC helps families grow strong and healthy from the beginning

What Is the WIC Program?

WIC is a health and nutrition program designed to support pregnant individuals, new mothers, babies, and young children.

Participation in WIC connects families with practical nutrition information, breastfeeding support, and community resources.

The program promotes healthier pregnancies and early childhood development – and it empowers families with the tools and confidence they need to make informed choices about their wellness.

What Does WIC Offer?

WIC provides a comprehensive set of services, including:

• Easy-to-use nutrition tips and healthy living guidance tailored to daily life.
• Access to experts in maternal and child nutrition.
• Breastfeeding support, including one-on-one assistance and access to lactation specialists.
• Referrals to community services, healthcare providers, and public health programs.
• Monthly benefits to purchase healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk, cereal, eggs, tofu, peanut butter, soy milk, and more.

These supports help families build long-term habits and improve health outcomes across generations.

Who Can Enroll in WIC?

You may qualify for WIC if you live in California and meet one or more of the following:

• You are pregnant.
• You are breastfeeding an infant under 12 months old.
• You recently had a baby or were pregnant within the last six months.
• You are caring for a child under age five—including foster families, grandparents, and fathers.
• Your household meets WIC income guidelines or receives Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh.
• Even working and migrant families may be eligible for WIC.

WIC eligibility is broader than many people realize, and many working families qualify.

What Should I Bring to My First Appointment?

For the enrollment process, please bring:

• Each family member enrolling in WIC.
• Identification for yourself and any children birth to age five.
• Proof of address.
• Proof of income, such as a recent paycheck, employer letter, or tax return.

These items help our team confirm eligibility and tailor services to your needs.

What Happens at My Appointment?

Your first appointment includes an overview of WIC services and a personalized nutrition assessment for each eligible family member. 

Our WIC Team will help you understand your food benefits, review your goals, and connect you with community resources, medical care, or lactation support as needed. 

Appointments are welcoming, family-centered, and focused on meeting you where you are.

Your friendly UIHS WIC staff from left to right: Theresa Barney, Wendy Joyner, Sarah Falkenstrom, Lydia Davis.

WIC Nutrition Assistants (WNAs)

Our program has four WNAs who determine eligibility, complete certifications, provide nutrition education, and coordinate referrals. Using a wraparound approach, they collaborate with Registered Dietitians, Lactation Consultants, Medical and Dental teams, Public Health Nurses, and more. All WNAs are Certified Indigenous Lactation Counselors and specialize in breastfeeding support.

Registered Dietitian

Our Dietitian provides advanced nutrition care for participants with more complex needs. This includes support for therapeutic infant formula, failure-to-thrive cases, gestational diabetes, and specialized dietary counseling.

International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

Our IBCLC supports breastfeeding families from pregnancy through weaning. Services include prenatal planning, education, pumping guidance, and help with complex breastfeeding situations such as premature infants, allergies, or maternal health concerns. The IBCLC blends clinical expertise with compassionate emotional support.

How Do I Get Started?

UIHS WIC Program

Call: (707) 825-5030

Text: (888) 411-1973

Potawot Health Village

1600 Weeot Way

Arcata, CA 95521

(707) 825-5030

Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

Closed for Lunch: 12pm-1pm

Willow Creek Health Department

77 Walnut Way

Willow Creek, CA 95573

(530) 629-2410

1st Monday of the month: 10am – 12pm

Hoopa – Kimaw

1200 Airport Road

Hoopa, CA 95546

(530) 625-4261

1st, 2nd, 3rd Thursday and Friday: 10am-3pm

Closed for Lunch 12:30-1pm

Klamath – UIHS/Resighini Tribal Clinic

241 Salmon Avenue

Klamath, CA 95548

(707) 482-2181

2nd Monday of the month: 9:30am-3:30pm

Closed for Lunch 12-12:30pm

Crescent City

Elk Valley

2298 Norris Ave,

Crescent City, CA 95531

(707) 296-2500

1st, 2nd, 3rd Tuesday of the month: 10am-3pm

Closed for Lunch 12:30-1pm

Eureka Health Village, Jaroujiji

434 7th St.

Eureka CA, 95501

2nd, 3rd, 4th Wednesday of the month: 8am-5pm

Closed for Lunch: 12pm-1pm

Weitchpec

23001 CA-96

Weitchpec, CA 95546

(530) 925-4300

1st Monday of each month: 1pm-3pm