The United States Department of Agriculture’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program marks its 50th year of dedicated service in 2024, celebrating a pivotal moment in the sphere of public health. Since its inception in 1974, WIC has played a vital role in enhancing the health and nutrition of communities, with a focus on supporting mothers and their young children.

The program’s commitment to providing access to nutritious food options, education on maintaining healthy diets, and connections to necessary healthcare services has significantly benefited countless families in need. Reflecting on the ways in which NVHC’s initiatives align with and support community health, it is important to recognize the substantial influence WIC has exerted in Nevada—impacting both the broader community and our patients—since its introduction to the state in 1992.

Within Nevada, there are 46 WIC clinics, with a pronounced presence in the southern region, home to 20 of these clinics. NVHC proudly operates the largest WIC program in the state, overseeing seven facilities. Positioned exclusively in southern Nevada, NVHC’s WIC clinics offer a range of health and nutritional services, serving thousands and representing over 50% of the state’s WIC participants. These clinics play a critical role in catering to the needs of underserved communities, providing vital services to a significant portion of the population. This focus on regional needs underscores our broader mission to ensure that our most vulnerable groups are not merely surviving but are flourishing.

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the WIC program, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and express our deep gratitude to the staff at our WIC clinics for their invaluable contributions. Their dedication to the program’s mission is instrumental in fostering healthier communities and in supporting the well-being of countless individuals and families across Nevada.