Stephen selected to lead program

SANDUSKY — The Erie County Health Department recently announced the appointment of Gwen Stephen — a registered dietitian and certified lactation counselor — as the new women, infants and children services program director for Erie and Huron counties. The department often shortens this program to WIC. Operating as a comprehensive dual-county initiative, the program provides essential nutritional and health services to families throughout both Erie and Huron counties. Stephen brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and clinical expertise to her new leadership role. Having served within the two counties' women, infants and children program for many years, she has been a driving force behind the region's breastfeeding support programs and healthy nutrition education initiatives. Her ongoing dedication has ensured that expectant mothers, infants and young children in the community have access to the foundational resources they need to thrive. "Gwen's dedication to the health and well-being of our community's mothers and children is unparalleled," Erie County health commissioner Pete Schade said. One of the department's goals for the program has been the successful integration of women, infants and children patients into all services at the health department and Erie County Community Health Center. "For years, we have strived for leadership in (women, infants and children) to build the integration between all of our health services and (women, infants and children) families, and now Gwen brings that possibility to the table," Schade said. Office relocation In conjunction with this leadership announcement, the health department wants the public to know that Huron County's women, infants and children's office has officially relocated to better serve the community. The office is now open and operating out of its new facility, located at 134 Cleveland Road, in Norwalk. The special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children provides supplemental nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, nutritional education and health care referrals for income-eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to age 5. Families interested in women, infants and children services or looking to schedule an appointment at the new Norwalk location or the Sandusky office can learn more by visiting eriecohealthohio.com or calling 419-626-5623, ext. 5137.