Whitley County Health Department launches formula locator program

The ongoing nation-wide formula shortage continues to leave both federal and state organizations grappling with possible solutions as parents scramble to find what little formula may be left on store shelves. Though there still doesn’t seem to be a clear end to the shortage in sight, the Whitley County Health Department is trying to help ease some of the woes parents are currently facing by helping link up organizations that may have formula with those who need it.

WCHD announced the Whitley County Formula Locator on Monday via their Facebook page, which included links to two different surveys. The first link directs to a survey for organizations that have a current supply of formula to provide details such as their location, contact information and business hours, as well as the type of formula they have available. The second link is for those who are in need of formula and will direct users to the results available from the organizations who provided responses.

Marcy Rein, public health director at WCHD, said that the locator was put together after she saw other similar agencies doing the same.

“I saw Pennyrile Health District do this.  I talked it over with my WIC Coordinator and we decided to try it. Caregivers have gotten very creative seeking out the formula they need for their babies, sharing information on social media and even getting friends and family to check stores all over the country for them,” said Rein. “This is just another way to try to help crowdsource information to meet the need.”

The health department is also making adjustments to its WIC program to better help parents get the formula they need. According to Rein, if a parent receives WIC for their child, they can have their plan modified on the fly when they find formula in stock by contacting the WCHD.

“If the baby is on WIC, the caregiver can call our office to get assistance. They can call us from the store and tell us what they see on the shelf and we’ll change their WIC package so they can scoop it up,” said Rein.

As for parents that are in need of specialty formula, Rein stressed that caregivers should stay in contact with their pediatrician, as they will likely be the best source of information.

Rein stated that the WCHD is hopeful that the situation will soon stabilize, but noted that the health department was remaining diligent in its efforts to help families right now.

“We’ve got staff reaching out to vendors and often physically going to stores regularly to see what’s in stock to try to help,” said Rein.

For anyone who would like to access the survey, it is available on the health department’s Facebook page. Those who may need to contact the health department can do so by calling