National WIC Association

December 10, 2019

Press Release: National WIC Association Formalizes Commitment to Health Equity in Recent Statement

Rev. Greenaway: “A comprehensive approach to public health must be informed by the diverse experiences of WIC participants and the social determinants that shape them.”

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Natalie Moran

Email: nmoran@nwica.org

 

WASHINGTON – The National WIC Association (NWA) recently released an official statement formalizing the organization’s commitment to health equity. NWA defines health equity as the ability of all individuals and families to achieve optimal health, irrespective of their identity, race, ability, or class.

 

NWA’s official statement on health equity:

 

For the National WIC Association, health equity is the ability of all individuals and families to achieve optimal health, irrespective of their identity, race, ability or class. This requires equitable access to nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, chronic disease prevention and management services, safe living environments, and good jobs with fair pay. It necessitates removing obstacles to families’ short- and long-term health and wellbeing including poverty, discrimination, and institutional racism and other forms of bias expressed through housing, healthcare, education, labor, and other public policies.

 

Rev. Douglas Greenaway, President and CEO of the National WIC Association (NWA), issued the following quote:

 

“This statement represents the National WIC Association’s staunch commitment to the promotion of equity in the WIC program and to the elimination of barriers that hinder that effort. A comprehensive approach to public health must be informed by the diverse experiences of WIC participants and the social factors that shape them.”

 

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