Bluffton Jasper County Volunteers Score $25K Grant: A Game Changer!
Great news, Lowcountry! A local organization dedicated to providing free dental care and education to uninsured residents has just been awarded a generous $25,000 grant to amplify its mission of helping those in need.
Introducing the Bluffton Jasper County Volunteers in Medicine (BJVIM) and their William & Sheryl Magro Dental Clinic, a beacon of hope for residents in the Greater Bluffton and Jasper County areas. This clinic is committed to delivering essential dental services without any cost to those who need it most.
Since 2020, BJVIM has been on a roll, receiving a total of $125,000 from Delta Dental of South Carolina, including this latest impactful grant. Thanks to this support, the clinic has already made a significant difference, assisting over 1,500 individuals in just a few years!
Delta Dental of South Carolina, a non-profit championing oral health, has generously contributed millions to organizations that share its goal of improving dental care access for South Carolinians. In just the past two years, they have granted over $747,000 to 21 organizations throughout the state!
“Oral health is crucial to the overall well-being of our patients,” said Pam Toney, executive director of BJVIM. “We are incredibly thankful to Delta Dental for their support, which allows us to continue our vital services and expand our programs for those who need them the most.”
Toney emphasized that ongoing funding significantly boosts the clinic’s capacity to improve the lives of its patients, quite literally bringing smiles to their faces!
Since its establishment, BJVIM has benefited immensely from the $125,000 received from Delta Dental, which has supported the creation and sustainability of the William & Sheryl Magro Dental Clinic.
The initial funding back in 2020 was a game changer, enabling the clinic to acquire essential dental equipment, including chairs, x-ray machines, and sterilization tools. This investment allowed a single dentist to provide routine cleanings, and the clinic has since expanded to include a dental director and seven volunteer dentists.
Today, their services have grown to include panoramic x-rays, simple extractions, fillings, dentures, and even a denture molding lab! Ongoing support from Delta Dental ensures the clinic can maintain these critical services and continue to add new equipment and support for staff salaries.
With a mission to enhance oral health, Delta Dental of South Carolina continues to allocate millions to organizations that promote access to dental treatment and education. In the last two years alone, they’ve awarded over $747,000 to empower 21 organizations across the state!
“Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals through better dental health,” shared Stacy Harris, supervisor of community outreach at Delta Dental. “By supporting organizations like BJVIM, we can connect thousands to essential dental resources, enhancing their health and quality of life.”
Delta Dental annually awards grants to select organizations aimed at promoting oral health initiatives, with goals that include reducing dental diseases, ensuring access to quality care, and raising awareness about good oral health practices, especially for children and underserved populations.
Interested organizations can apply for grant funding starting February 3, 2025. For more information, visit the Delta Dental website.
