The Connecticut Department of Public Health is utilizing numerous options to assist families across the state access baby formula during the nationwide shortage.
The formula shortage started last fall due to supply chain issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. It was exacerbated in February when Abbott recalled powdered formula manufactured in its Michigan plant and temporarily shuttered it.
Abbott is allowing the Connecticut WIC program to offer 80 comparable formulas while the company’s products are not available.
DPH has been working closely with local agency staff to help families find retailers that have in-stock formula, or even switch the participant's benefits package when needed. DPH also has been working directly with manufacturers to order emergency formula.
| If you or someone you know has been impacted by the shortage, there are resources in our state and community that could help. Please note that the below is not a comprehensive solution and is only meant to share helpful information. |
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- It is unsafe to add more water to formula, make homemade infant formula, or use regular cow’s milk, or other milk substitutes to feed infants.
- Ask your pediatrician or doctor if they offer baby formula samples.
- Check smaller stores or pharmacies for availability. It may help to visit stores more frequently and buy formula as it becomes available.
- If you can afford it, buy formula online until store availability improves. Purchase from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies.
- Use caution when purchasing formula from individual or private sellers. You can report price gouging and scams to the CT Office of the Attorney General, HERE.
- Check social media groups that are dedicated to infant feeding and formula. Members may have ideas on where to find formula. Always check with your pediatrician regarding any advice.
- WIC families can contact their local WIC office with questions. If you are unable to reach your local WIC office by phone you can send an email. Find local WIC office phone numbers and emails by clicking HERE. You can also reach out to ctwic@ct.gov or 1-800-741-2142 for assistance.
- Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org to locate community organizations that may provide emergency formula.
- Connecticut participates in Mother’s Milk Bank Northeast, which sends most of its donated breast milk to neonatal care units across the state. It’s also available for purchase. Please visit milkbankne.org/receive to learn more.
- The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has additional resources for families to use. Click HERE for more information.
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| As a result of our recently passed budget, Connecticut families can soon apply to receive a state tax rebate of up to $250 per child for a maximum of three children. Applications will open on June 1st. To apply, visit portal.ct.gov/DRS and click the icon that says, “2022 CT Child Tax Rebate." See below for income eligibility guidelines: |
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| Anyone who is interested in seeking a payment must apply to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services by July 31, 2022 - recipients will receive funds beginning in late August. |
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| Mental Health Awareness Month |
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May is Mental Health Awareness month, which works to end the stigma surrounding mental health conditions by raising awareness and sharing resources. Please know that you are not alone. If you or someone you love is ever in crisis, here is a list of resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
- 24/7 Crisis Support: 775-784-8090 or text “ANSWER” to 839863
- Dial 2-1-1 to speak with someone who can connect you with mobile crisis services
- The Trevor Project for LGBTQ Lives: 866-488-7386
The Connecticut Psychological Association is hosting their annual statewide event for Mental Health Awareness Month on Wednesday, May 25th at 7:30PM. Open to all, this Zoom event will offer excellent resources and information to enhance your well-being.
Join via Zoom at: https://tinyurl.com/CPAMHAMOE
Zoom Passcode: 025077 |
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