State WIC Directors Address Debra L. Keyes, R.D., M.A. Director August 24, 2015

Survival

Georgia WIC’s Past Challenges Rapidly declining participation rates Highest food packaged costs – in the nation Historically poor Management Evaluation outcomes

Georgia WIC’s Past Challenges Persistent fraud Low employee morale Communication breakdowns State/Districts

1. Hire A New State WIC Director WIC Director turn over, lack of stability and WIC Program knowledge base Hired November 1, 2012

2. Hire An Outside Consultant Firm North Highland’s Objective To develop a complete picture of WIC’s current strengths and issues that impacts Georgia WIC’s overall effectiveness

3. Transform the WIC Program New Organizational Structure Consultants in collaboration with WIC Director and Supported by DPH ELT

NEW Transformed WIC Team Vendor Management Yvonne Rodgers Program Administration Anthony Mc Gaughey Program Integrity and Strategy Shameyrae Miller Program Operations and Nutrition Services Angela Damon

NEW Transformed WIC Team WIC Legal Team Miessha Stennis Ruth Pawlak Office of Inspector General (OIG) Ondray Jennings

Physicians Associations Formula Manufacturers* Vendor Representative 4. Engage Stakeholders Physicians Associations 11 WIC team 1 9 DPH Leadership Participants 2 9 USDA WIC Program Office 9 DPH Support Functions 3 Formula Manufacturers* Epidemiology 4 Can we add something in the box to replace finance Retail Vendor Representative 7 Clinics 5 Method of Participation Districts 6 9 Interviews Focus Groups Visit Survey 9 9 9 9 *Due to current contracting process formula manufacturing were not included

5. Build Out the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Unit To eliminate the Fraud in Georgia WIC

Office of Inspector General (OIG) Ondray Jennings, Georgia WIC, Deputy Inspector General

What is New for WIC? SHAPE funded WIC/Strong 4 Life Collaboration Regional Advisors Talk with ME Baby Initiative

Talk With Me Baby Maria Fernandez, DPH Program Manager, Early Brain Development Initiative

We Should be Proud 2nd lowest Food Cost—South East Region VMARS Roll-out Breastfeeding Rate—Most Improved Management Evaluation Turn Around

Thriving

Coming Soon Near You Peer Counselor Data Base (PCDB) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) E-WIC – 2020 Enterprise System Modernization (ESM) Integrated Eligibility System (IES)

Integrated Eligibility System (IES) Jack Petsche, Consultant, Georgia Gateway

Commissioner’s Vision for the Department of Public Health

Carole C. Jakeway- DPH, Director, District and County Operations Good to Great Carole C. Jakeway- DPH, Director, District and County Operations

Sandy Benton-Davis Chief, FNS, USDA USDA Highlights Sandy Benton-Davis Chief, FNS, USDA

Opportunities for Improvement Increase Caseload Provide Great Customer Services Enhance Collaboration

Georgia WIC Participation Comparison FY2012 vs. FY 2013 vs. FY 2014

Brutal Facts

Increase caseload Provide Great Customer Services Commitment Increase caseload Provide Great Customer Services

Effective Strategies Standard outreach, traditional & non traditional In Reach, retention of existing participants Improved clinic visit experience Decrease waiting time Excellent customer service Engaged/happy staff Improved Access Open new clinics across the State Hours and days of operation

WIC Making Every Connection Count Integration Coordination Collaboration Team Work Transparency

Survival

Thriving

Flourish

Thank you! Thanks to Panelist!