Cherokee Nation’s project aims to strengthen WIC services and increase enrollment and retention of WIC-eligible families within the Cherokee Nation reservation through a multipronged approach.
Innovative outreach strategies employed by the project include developing a centralized application process across tribal facilities and creating a hub-and-spoke approach to WIC services by co-locating WIC staff within 10 Tribal health facilities, which accrue over 1.5 million annual visits in Cherokee Nation. This approach reduces barriers related to transportation, technology, and stigma for families eligible for WIC.
Cherokee Nation will expand partnerships with nine stand-alone Head Start programs to train parents as WIC advocates and expand partnerships with other community organizations and local grocers.
With Cherokee Nation’s established connection within the reservation, the Tribe is uniquely positioned to facilitate the development of new community networks, weaving together an improved and highly supportive network for WIC-eligible families within the rural reservation service area. Throughout the project, they will integrate insights from surveys and interviews with families and community partners.
