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Nutrition
Jackson County Department of Public Health Nutrition section provides medical nutrition diet therapy (special diet instruction), diabetes education, WIC Services (Women, Infants and Children Special Supplemental Nutrition Program), Breastfeeding education, promotion and support for WIC participants, nutrition counseling for pregnant women, nutrition assessment and care plan services for persons who are developmentally delayed or who have problems eating textures of foods, information about healthy eating, weight management, feeding infants and children, meal planning, and programs for community groups and schools on food nutrition and related topics.
Diet Instruction for Medical Conditions
Medical conditions that need a special diet include, but are not limited to diabetes, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypoglycemia (sometimes called low blood sugar), cancer, renal disease, digestive problems such as ulcers, diverticulitis, weight management and eating disorders.
All county residents are eligible with written referral from a physician or a Department of Public Health Clinic and appointments are necessary. Special diet instruction includes: a comprehensive diet and medical history, height and weight, explanation of the diet, spoken and written instructions for the meal plan, follow-up visits to answer questions and adjust the plan to client’s needs. Cost of special diet instruction varies according to income and the number of household members.
Diabetes Education
All persons who receive medical services from a doctor in Jackson County and have been diagnosed with diabetes or who are at risk of developing diabetes are eligible for diabetes education. Diabetes education is provided by a Registered Nurse/Certified Diabetes educator and a Registered Dietitian.
Diabetes education includes: Diabetes assessment and medical history, diet instruction and meal planning, self-monitoring of blood glucose, foot care, eye care, information on long-term complications and how to lower the risk of problems from complications. The cost of diabetes education and diet instruction varies according to income and number of household members.
Breastfeeding
All women who receive WIC (Women’s, Infants, and Children Special Supplemental Nutrition Program) benefits are eligible for Breastfeeding training and assistance. Help is provided by a Breastfeeding peer counselor and WIC nutritionists who are certified Breastfeeding educators. The peer counselor is available by phone to WIC Mothers at night and on weekends to answer questions or give help to new mothers. There is no charge for breastfeeding services. Medela breast pumps are available for rent.
WIC Program
****Discrimination Statement: This institution is an equal opportunity provider. WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a federally funded program that serves pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women up to six months and infants and children up to age five. The program provides a combination of nutrition education, supplemental foods, breastfeeding promotion, and referrals to health care. The supplemental foods include milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, juice, peanut butter or beans, and formula for infants who do not breastfeed or need a supplement to breastfeeding. To be eligible for WIC, clients must be residents of Jackson County or receive medical services in Jackson County and be found to be at medical or nutritional risk. Examples are abnormal weight and abnormal iron levels or inadequate diet. Clients must also meet the income guidelines of 185% of poverty level set by the federal government. A person receiving food stamps, AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children), or Medicaid automatically meets the income requirements. Appointments include a brief history, height and weight and hemoglobin test. Once certified, the client will have follow-up visits every three months.
Dental Health
The Jackson County Department of Public Health Dental Health Program has the responsibility to promote and protect good oral health for all citizens. Services are provided in the Jackson County Schools with use of a mobile dental unit named “Buster” and an Adult Dental Unit is located at the health department. Services are provided to those individuals who are Medicaid eligible. Both treatment and preventive services are provided, thus rendering immediate and long-term dental benefits. The dental health staff includes the Dentists, Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienist, and Dental Program Coordinator. The Staff is available to assist community members in the implementation of dental health education programs.
Health Check
Two programs in North Carolina are available to help children get Health Insurance to improve preventive health care. Health Check (Medicaid) provides free health insurance for children aged 0 through 20 whose families qualify.
NC Health Choice
Health Choice provides free or low cost health insurance to uninsured children 0 to 18 who do not have health insurance and are over income for Health Check.
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