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Program Functional Area 12: Data Quality, Analysis & Reporting Goal 12: Strengthen data outputs for improved program planning, monitoring, evaluation, and administration. Objective 12.1: Improve access to, and the utility and application of, WIC Program data: a. Build on current reports to provide enhanced, accurate and more accessible, data resources; b. Expand research/data analysis and reporting initiatives; and, c. Provide support in meeting other Program-related data needs. Objective 12.2: Contribute data inputs to help maximize strategic program coverage and effectiveness: a. Strengthen appropriate access to and delivery of program services; and, b. Ensure adequate access to vendor services and vendor capacity to meet demand.

Objective Strategies/Activities Baseline Indicators Progress 12.1 Improve access to, and the utility and applica- tion of, WIC Program data:

a. Build on current reports to provide enhanced, more accessible data resources. Prepare summary data tables & graphs to illustrate trends, and maps to compare the distribution of selected variables and other Program resources (e.g., participants, WIC sites, authorized vendors).

Post results or otherwise share selected data tables, graphs, reports, maps, and other data presentations as appropriate, including: • WIC participation and key demographics; • Process and outcome objectives; • Benefit issuance & redemption; and, • Authorized vendors; plus, • Current national WIC data and state population figures.

Coordinate with DPH attorney prior to sharing any personally identifiable information outside the WIC program (e.g., with DPH/Vital Records, Local Health Districts), to ensure state and federal con- fidentiality regulations are properly met; censor all public-facing data, as appropriate. Monthly Reports

Quarterly Out- come Reports

Annual Sum- mary Reports Enhanced analysis & data presentations meet USDA, state & local WIC agency data needs.

Data tables, graphs & maps facilitate the comparison of participant characteristics, outcomes, etc.

Data reports are posted to the shared Q drive for state & local agency staff; public-facing data posted to program website and DPH Dashboard are censored and periodically updated, as appropriate.

Improved data access results in less staff time being invested in responding to routine data re- quests, while protecting file security & participant confiden- tiality.

A solution to making WIC reports available to local agency contractors continues to be explored.

These reports are now available to State Staff via Teams WIC Reports.

USDA, State & Local data needs continue to be met b. Expand research/data analysis and reporting initiatives.

Select one program outcome to analyze in relation to potential risk/contributing factors (e.g., low birth weight: compare preterm/full-term birth outcomes in relation to mothers’ pre- pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, substance use behaviors, initiation of prenatal care, etc.). Prior DPH, WIC and other related studies

DSS Medicaid/ HUSKY A dataset More in-depth analyses help inform program decisions in sup- port of key interventions, with a focus on improved outcomes, and increased outreach, recruit- ment & retention.

Pending analysis of one program outcome in relation to potential risk/ contributing factors. The focus for 2024 has been the complete re- design of CT WIC’s six