The Alamance County Health Department started using the new system Oct. 6. Crossroads replaced a 30-year-old WIC automated data processing system that was paper-based. The new system is electronic and manages all facets of WIC operations, including client services and vendor management.
WIC is a supplemental nutrition program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program also offers nutrition education to its clients.
The system requirements for Crossroads were defined by a consortium led by North Carolina, Alabama, Virginia and West Virginia. North Carolina was selected by the federal government to be the lead state of a four-state consortium.
Alamance County WIC Director Nicole Alston said Friday that counties began phasing in Crossroads last February, with the larger counties, including Wake County, completing the process last month.
The new electronic system provides easier scheduling for clients, quicker food instrument pick-up, quicker in-state transfers, food packages that better meet family needs, and fewer questions at check-in, according to Olivia James, press assistant in the N.C. DHHS’ Office of Communications. Information on Crossroads is available at www.ncdhhs.gov/crossroads.
Alston said since the county launched Crossroads in October, it has continued to accept paper applications as part of the process to ensure a seamless transition. The county will no longer use paper applications after Feb. 1, relying solely on the new electronic system for all processing and delivery of benefits.
According to Alston, the county has 4,607 people enrolled in the WIC program. From July 2013 to June 2014, Alston said, $3.8 million in WIC benefits were redeemed in the county. Those eligible for Medicaid or food stamps are qualified to receive assistance through WIC, Alston said.
©2015 Times-News (Burlington, N.C.)
