February local agency call minutes
Review the WIC Local Agency Conference Call (PDF) - February 19, 2025
Newly revised childhood blood level guidelines
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Lead Poisoning Prevention Program released the 2025 revisions of the Childhood Blood Lead Treatment Guidelines for Minnesota and the Childhood Blood Lead Case Management Guidelines for Minnesota and slight updates to the Childhood Blood Lead Screening Guidelines for Minnesota and Blood Lead Level Guidelines.
The revisions provide updated recommendations for children in Minnesota with elevated blood lead levels. The guidelines:
- Reflect changes in Minnesota Statutes regarding:
- Lowering the definition of an elevated blood lead level.
- Updating the age of a child for eligibility for public health services.
- Risk assessment requirements.
- Recommend medical follow-up and case management for children less than 18 years of age with elevated blood lead levels of 3.5 µg/dL and above.
- Outline the requirement for environmental risk assessments for children with blood lead levels of 5.0 µg/dL or greater on a venous sample.
- Provide health care providers and local public health case managers with specific resources to which they can refer families.
Impact on WIC
The updated guidelines do not affect the assignment of Risk Factor (RF) 211 – Elevated Blood Lead Levels. However, local agencies should ensure that participants under 18 years old from all WIC categories with a blood lead level ≥3.5 µg/dL obtain appropriate follow-up care and referrals, regardless of RF 211 assignment.
We will add links to our Additional Support for WIC Families webpage.
Coffective Community Partnership Collaborative
Applications are open now for Coffective Community Partnership Collaborative. Funding of $5,000 and support implementing a new lactation-related project or accelerating an existing project. Projects should involve strengthen partnerships with the community while promoting WIC lactation services. For more information see the Community Partnership Collaborative – Overview
To apply- 2025 Coffective Community Partnership Collaborative Interest Form
Important dates:
- Applications are due March 28
- Projects must be completed by Sept. 30
Funding is pending and dependent on the federal budget. Applicants will be updated on any funding changes before projects start.
Questions? For lactation projects contact Rosie Pierce-Martin, 651-201-4428, Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us.
Peer breastfeeding program
Have a new peer breastfeeding counselor? The next live peer counselor orientation is schedule for March 25. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kristen Bricko at kristen.bricko@state.mn.us.
Breastmilk trays available
Local agency staff should talk to their supervisor for approval before registering for training.
Refer to WIC Annual Required Trainings for staff training requirements.
The Week Ahead
Check out upcoming trainings and meetings: Local Agency WIC Calendar
Find new job opportunities on the WIC Job Postings webpage. This week includes:
- Washington Co. Dept. of Public Health and Environment Community Nutrition Specialist or Senior Community Nutrition Specialist - WIC Program
Submit job postings using the WIC Job Postings survey.
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