As the country ushers in National Public Health Week, Clackamas County is shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes dedicated to keeping the community healthy. The focus is to celebrate and uplift the various programs that serve as a backbone to the county's commitment to the well-being of its residents. Among these initiatives is the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which plays a pivotal role in promoting the health of mothers and their young, according to Clackamas County.

The WIC program has become a cornerstone in Clackamas County, not only providing education on nutrition but also distributing healthy foods to those in their most formative years of life. In a bid to make their services more inclusive, the Public Health Division employs five bilingual, bicultural Nutrition Assistants like Evelyn and Tatyana. Their ability to communicate in Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, and Vietnamese allows them to efficiently bridge the gap and offer personalized support to a diverse array of families. "Our bilingual, bicultural staff make WIC more accessible and welcoming for families," said the Clackamas County Public Health Division.

The emphasis on language inclusivity underscores the division's understanding of the intricate fabric of Clackamas County's demographic. By ensuring that members of the community can receive crucial health information and assistance in a language they are comfortable with, the division is actively working to dismantle barriers that have traditionally hindered equal access to public health services.

As Clackamas County observes National Public Health Week, it is a timely reminder of the work that is being done and still needs to be done. The community's health is, after all, the bedrock upon which a flourishing society is built. For more details on the programs and initiatives highlighted this week, visit Clackamas County's official news release at Clackamas County Public Health Week.