Denton County is taking a leading role in a new federal effort to protect the health of mothers and families. The county’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program was chosen as one of only nine Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) agencies across the United States to participate in a groundbreaking two‑year initiative.
Federal backing and university partnership
The program will be funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Administration and overseen by the WIC Maternal Health Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The partnership brings together federal resources, academic expertise, and local service delivery to test evidence‑informed strategies that help pregnant and postpartum women recognize warning signs of severe mental morbidity and maternal mortality.
What the initiative will do in Denton County
Participating agencies, including Denton County WIC, will receive dedicated funding, specialized training, and ongoing technical assistance from the UNC‑based WIC Maternal Health Center. The county’s role focuses on psychosocial screening and referral, ensuring that women who are pregnant or have recently given birth are connected quickly to mental‑health care, medical services, and community resources.
“At Denton County WIC, we recognize that maternal mental health is an essential part of the health and well‑being of mothers and families in our community,” said WIC Director Fabiola Vanegas. “By integrating maternal health interventions into WIC services, we have a unique opportunity to identify health concerns earlier, strengthen referrals to care, and support healthier pregnancies and postpartum experiences.”
Local impact and community response
Alex Reed‑Harbour, the division manager for community health, expressed gratitude for the opportunity: “Our team in Denton County is grateful for the chance to expand our support of expecting and new mommas in this way. We want every mom who visits Denton County WIC to know that their mental health is important, and we are here to walk alongside them to get connected to the appropriate care.”
The initiative will run for two years, during which Denton County and the other eight selected agencies will test, adapt, and implement strategies designed to improve health outcomes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Findings and lessons learned will be shared nationwide, adding to the growing evidence base on effective maternal interventions.
What WIC already offers
Denton County WIC already provides nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and a supplemental food benefit package for eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. The new maternal‑health focus builds on these services, adding mental‑health screening and stronger referral pathways to ensure families receive comprehensive care.
Residents who want to learn more about the program can visit the Denton County WIC website for eligibility information, service locations, and upcoming workshops.
Original reporting: Cross Timbers Gazette — read the source article.
