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CareArc has confirmed that the Lyon County WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) office has officially returned to normal operations after being temporarily closed during the recent federal government shutdown.
The WIC program, which provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy food assistance for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children, is once again fully available to local families.
Temporary Closure During Government Shutdown
The Lyon County WIC Office had been shut down since Oct. 13, following funding concerns triggered by the federal shutdown. During this period, uncertainty over federal support forced the office to pause its regular services for several weeks.
Funding Secured; Services Restored
With the shutdown resolved, the State of Kansas secured the necessary funding to ensure that WIC services continued without further disruption. As a result, the Lyon County office has reopened and is actively assisting community members who rely on WIC benefits.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding,” said Renee Hively, CareArc CEO. “Our staff continued working diligently to ensure families maintained access to benefits. We are happy to return to full operations and provide local support again.”
Services Now Fully Available
The Lyon County WIC office is now offering its complete range of assistance, including:
- Answering participant questions
- Scheduling and conducting appointments
- Issuing certifications for WIC benefits
During the closure, these essential services were temporarily handled by the Johnson County Health Department, ensuring families still received necessary support.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Lyon County WIC Office marks a positive return to stability for local families who depend on nutrition and wellness resources. With funding secured and operations restored, the community can once again access the full benefits and support provided through the WIC program.
FAQs
1. Why was the Lyon County WIC office closed?
The office closed due to funding uncertainty caused by the federal government shutdown that began in mid-October.
2. Are all WIC services now available in Lyon County?
Yes. All local WIC services, including appointments, benefit issuance, and support programs, have fully resumed.
3. Who handled WIC services during the shutdown?
During the closure, services were temporarily managed by the Johnson County Health Department to ensure continued support for families.