Changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program are now in effect.  They primarily affect eligibility, along with the kinds of foods the credits can be used for and what substitutions can be made.  The Christian County Health Department hopes to educate people on these alterations, in addition to the program itself more broadly. 

Chelsey Davis is the director of nursing at the health department.  She says the changes to food options reflect new federal dietary guidelines. 

Other changes now allow beneficiaries to collect more of certain items in place of another one. 

Davis also reminds the public to check if they are eligible to receive benefits through WIC.  She says many people who do not use the program incorrectly believe they are not eligible. 

Separate from WIC, the Christian County Health Department is in need of more tobacco enforcement volunteers.  The department allows those aged 17-19 to take part.  The goal is to ensure local businesses comply with laws surrounding tobacco sales and asking for identification in such instances.  Ellen Jackson, an emergency response coordinator with CCHD, says local police keep any purchased tobacco products.

Jackson also reminds Christian County residents to prepare emergency kits in the event of a natural disaster.  It comes amid severe weather in the middle of this month. 

More information on the Christian County Health Department is available at www.cchdil.org or by calling (217) 824-4113.

Chelsey Davis and Ellen Jackson appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.