New WIC Clinic Opens In Desert Hot Springs

The old sign is still up. But, the office in Suite A now is the newest WIC clinic in the Coachella Valley.

“I haven’t been to WIC for sometime,” says Monica Urias, “because of the inconvenience of it being in Palm Springs.”

WIC, an acronym for “Woman, Infants and Children,” provides a variety of health and wellness programs, such as breastfeeding and pre-natal care. There are six WIC locations now in the Coachella Valley.

A big benefit for WIC clients: financial assistance to buy groceries. Families receive an average of $62 each month for each eligible member in their household.

“You get milk, cheese. Cheese is really expensive,” says Crystal Perelez, a five-year WIC client.

The Desert Hot Springs location has several private rooms for parents to meet with health educators and a classroom setting for those educational programs.

But, the clinic is not for women and mothers any longer. The county has seen an increase in the number of fathers seeking assistance.

“Since the economy’s been downhill, a lot of men have lost their jobs, and the moms are working,” says Kathy Ercoli, clinic’s senior nutritionist.

The Desert Hot Springs clinic is located at 14-080 Palm Drive, Suite A.

To determine whether you are eligible for the WIC program, please call 1-800-455-4942.