School of Public Health

SPH Kicks Off First Shelby County Government Health Department Speaker Series of the Semester with Mr. Edward Han

Friday, 25 September 2026

During his talk, Mr. Han spoke to students about the history of the WIC program, as well as some of the services that are offered through it in the Shelby County area.  
 
Besides offering supplemental food assistance, WIC provides a range of services to those who qualify including nutrition education to low-income women and breastfeeding support. The program also provides referrals to other health, welfare and community-based services. 
 
Mr. Han discussed innovative ways in which the Shelby County Health Department is working to meet families in need where they are through the first of its kind Baby Cafe model, providing drop-in access to breastfeeding professionals, including a Licensed Registered Dietitian (RD), a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC), and a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC)/Peer Counselor. The Shelby County Baby Café also provides other services (i.e., fatherhood initiatives, nutrition, recipes) to benefit the infant and the entire family support system. 
 
These Cafes are free, informal breastfeeding support groups that offer professional lactation counseling and assistance to families who need it, using a model pioneered by a national breastfeeding advocacy organization, Baby Café USA. The Public Health staff are trained around the theme of partnering with the family to understand specific value, as it relates to child development.  
 
Mr. Han also took questions and spoke to students about the various career pathways available to them as public health professionals working with the WIC program through the Health Department. 
 
The School of Public Health would like to thank Mr. Edward Han for his time and expertise. Watch the presentation here on our YouTube channel. 

 

 

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