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encouragement, and knowledgeable support and in person assistance to pregnant and breastfeeding participants. • Peer counselors provide services through a combination of telephone (texting) contacts and home and hospital visits, according to program protocols (see item 6, below). • Peer counselors also participate in promotional and advocacy activities. Peer counselors receive ongoing training and continuing education as described in item 10.

4. Adequate compensation and reimbursement of peer counselors Most peer counselors working in the hybrid hospital/clinic based peer counseling program (New Haven) currently receive approximately $17.00 per hour at a minimum. The hiring of full-time peers who receive a benefit package and adequate compensation has resulted in the best retention rates and, ultimately, the operation of an efficient and effective program. The WIC-clinic based peers receive $15.00 per hour at a minimum and are required to work a minimum of 10 hours per week.

5. Training of appropriate WIC State/local peer counseling management and clinic staff • Some WIC clinic-based peers attended the La Leche League of Connecticut (CT- LLL) annual Healthcare Provider Seminar in April 2024. • The State agency met as needed with WIC funded peer programs in 2024. • Peer counselors provided input and feedback on the use of CT-WIC peer module including identification of bugs and development of solutions. • Peer counselors were invited to attend WIC Statewide Meetings. • Peer counseling staff attending statewide WIC new staff orientations as appropriate.

6. Establishment of standardized breastfeeding peer counseling program policies and procedures at the State and local level as part of Agency nutrition education plan. • Compensation and reimbursement of peer counselors: Peer counselors will be compensated at a rate that will promote retention. • Training: Peer counselors will be trained using the USDA/FNS WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Levels 1 and 2. • Documentation of client contacts: All participant contacts, including unsuccessful attempts, will be documented in CT-WIC. • Referral protocols: Peer Counseling Programs continue to use CT-WIC to make referrals. Ongoing training on the referral process is provided. See specific protocols for referral procedures.