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Information Memorandum
For Local Agencies
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To: Local WIC Agencies
From: Danica Pelzel, WIC Program Director
Date: April 2, 2024
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Ongoing: Public comment period for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines
Ongoing: Read the Monthly wichealth newsletter.
April 20: March Affidavits Due
April 20: Quarter Two Time Studies Due
April 22: Agenda Items to your WIC Advisory Committee Representative Due
April 26: Mid-Year Budget Revisions Due
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As an opportunity for networking, we are collecting names and cell phone numbers of Kansas WIC staff who are attending the National WIC Association (NWA) Annual Education and Training Conference on April 7–10. We will compile and share among the group (if you’ve given your permission). We might try to plan a dinner together, gather for dessert, drinks or something.
ACTION: If desired, email Patrice Thomsen with your name, agency and cell phone number. She will compile the information and email out to the group. Or you can send your info and ask that it not be shared with the group, but you’d like notified if we gather for dinner.
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If revisions to your budget for the current federal fiscal year (FFY2024) are necessary, please submit them using the same budget form that your original budget was submitted on. If you had or will have computer upgrades, training requests, or salary adjustments during FFY2024 that were not on your original budget, please include them on the revision.
The Budget Template and Checklist FFY2024 is located on our website. At the top of the WIC Budget Form sheet is a box to indicate if the budget is an initial submission or a revised version. Budget revisions should be emailed with a file name including the Local Agency name and the words, "Revised Budget FFY2024". Please include a document that explains the reason for the budget revision.
ACTION: Inform those who complete the budget that they may need to submit a revision. Although revisions can be submitted at any time, mid-year revisions are due April 26.
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With Free Keynote Speaker
Join the GOLD Lactation Community in 2024 for the latest evidence-based education. Access convenient continuing education from experts, engage in live sessions, and participate in discussions with peers to explore trends and hot topics in human lactation.
The conference kicks off on April 2 with a free live keynote presentation. Those paying for the entire conference have access to recorded presentations until July 2.
Educational Hours and Credits: 30.5 CERPs (27.5L, 2E, 1R), 30.5 Nurse Contact Hours, 30.5 CMEs, 30 Contact Hours (3 MEAC CEUs) and 30.5 Dietetic CPEUs
ACTION: Staff can register for the full conference here or the free keynote here. If using WIC funds, count in the breastfeeding cost category. Submit a mid-year budget revision if needed.
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January 23, 2024 Minutes and Call for April 30, 2024 Agenda Items
Read the approved minutes of the Jan. 23, WIC Advisory Committee meeting. They will also be posted here.
The next WIC Advisory Committee conference call is Tuesday, April 30. The facilitator is Kelli Waggoner from Cowley County. You can find your representative name and contact information on the WIC Advisory Committee page of website. As a reminder, questions about policy implementation should be directed to your agency’s assigned state staff member. Alternates are also invited but may choose not to attend unless notified that your Representative will not be attending. Reminder of future conference calls/facilitators:
- April 30, 2024: Kelli Waggoner (Cowley)
- FifthTuesday due to State conference on fourthTuesday
- July 23, 2024: Kaylyn Speth (Riley)
- October 22, 2024: Norma Cosio (Johnson)
- January 28, 2025: Facilitator TBD
Questions? Email Patrice Thomsen or call 785-296-1189.
ACTION: Read minutes. Submit agenda items to your WAC representative or Patrice Thomsen by Monday, April 22.
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Our regional office has asked us to pass along the following ways that local WIC staff can contribute to the 50th Anniversary Celebration of WIC. These are optional activities, but we hope you will contribute and also encourage others to contribute.
Volunteer for a Staff Interview
Participate in an interview about your WIC career and experience that will be featured in the May issue of our region's "At the Table" newsletter. Respond to as many or as few of the questions below as you'd like:
- When did you first start working for WIC?
- Why did you want to work for WIC?
- What is your favorite WIC moment or memory?
- How has WIC influenced you?
- What is your proudest moment in WIC?
- What are the biggest/best changes you have seen occur in WIC?
- What do you want others to know about WIC?
- What are your hopes for WIC in the future?
ACTION: Email Allie Martin responses and a picture of yourself no later than March 30. If you would prefer a verbal interview, contact Allie and share your availability.
Contribute to the Virtual Yearbook
Add photos, WIC stories, memories, or why you love WIC on the virtual WIC 50th Yearbook. Instructions are provided within the mural board on the left-hand side. Showcase your creativity by drawing, adding pictures or icons, and commenting on posts by your peers. Our regional office will include a copy of the completed yearbook in their May issue of "At the Table."
USDA staff will be available to assist with the mural board on Monday, April 15 from Noon - 12:30 p.m. CST. Use this Zoom link.
ACTION: Post on the virtual yearbook no later than April 15. Encourage coworkers to as well.
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In summer 2023, the Kansas WIC Program partnered with the University of Kansas Medical Center to educate staff about DHA and pregnancy, along with encouraging clients to participate in a survey on DHA intake. See the August 2023 I-Memo. Several months later, we're reminding staff about this project and providing flyers to promote the survey, particularly to pregnant women. The survey, accessible via the WIC Shopper App, takes less than 5 minutes. Additionally, Dr. Danielle Christifano will present at the Kansas WIC Conference on April 23, offering further insight into DHA and the research project.
A recording of the 2023 webinar is available as well as the below resources:
ACTION: Share the flyer with clients. The WIC Shopper App also has a banner with a link to the survey. Note that local agencies are not required to share the flyers or promote the survey to clients. It is the local agency’s choice.
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