Today, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) presented Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN) with a Community Partnership Award. This award is presented to individuals or groups in Rhode Island whose contributions are exceptional and support the mission of HEALTH.
Early last year, one of the state’s local offices of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program closed. This office served 5400 people in Pawtucket and Central Falls. RIPIN offered building space and a way for HEALTH’s WIC program to provide services to these clients for up to five months. Until HEALTH found a permanent home for the local WIC office, RIPIN insured that vulnerable members of the community, including pregnant women, infants, and children up to five years of age, and their caregivers (including those living in shelters) continued to receive healthy food and nutrition education through the WIC program.
Once a permanent location was established for the Pawtucket and Central Falls WIC office, RIPIN continued to offer assistance and support by helping clients transition to the new WIC location.
The Rhode Island Parent Information Network provides information, support, and training to help all Rhode Islanders become their own best advocate at school, in healthcare, and in all areas of life.