Bedimar Aray Promotes the WIC Program in the Latino Community
Bedimar Aray Delpino, along with her husband and her two children, waited 16 years in their native Venezuela to obtain their immigration documents and start a new life in the United States. The parents of her husband who had filed a petition for them to immigrate were waiting for them in Florida, but they established their residence in Anchorage, Alaska, as they considered that they would learn the language faster. Not even the extreme climate of this State was an obstacle. “In Alaska we have support from family, and we have adapted very well to Anchorage, our home,” Bedimar said.
Although her education is as an advertising technician in her country of origin, she always liked the health field. “I studied English and took a Medical Administrative Assistant course at the Alaska Literacy Program, this opened the doors for me to work at the Anchorage Health Department, under the WIC program.” Bedimar has been working for the federal WIC program for five years. “Hispanics and Latinos are afraid to seek this help because they believe that it may affect their immigration status. My job is to demystify this misconception. Information in the WIC program is confidential. If they do not speak English, I help them with the applications. It fills me with pride to help our community.” “The WIC program benefits low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to five years old. This support includes access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services. The program also focuses on promoting and supporting healthy lifestyle habits for participants.” Bedimar also completed a community leader program called Peer Leader Navigators. “We are trained to find reliable information and help our community with the information they need. My focus is to provide knowledge in the area of health.” You can contact Bedimar at 907- 764-3045. |