Closing the Dental Care Gap: How NC Foundation is Making a Difference!

Did you know that over half of North Carolina’s counties are grappling with a dental drought, boasting fewer than four dentists for every 10,000 residents? In some areas, there are no dentists at all! This is where heroes like the North Carolina Dental Society Foundation come into play, offering crucial dental services right in the heart of these underserved communities.

Dr. Amanda Stroud, the dedicated dental director and chief dental officer for AppHealthCare, sees the struggle firsthand. “One of the biggest hurdles people face is the lack of dental insurance,” she explains. “Many must wait six to nine months for an appointment, often for a planning session rather than immediate relief.” Can you imagine enduring tooth pain for that long?

This issue is especially pronounced in rural regions, affecting thousands who are in desperate need of care. That’s why the foundation is championing initiatives like “Give Kids a Smile” and the “Missions of Mercy” clinics, providing vital oral health services at no cost.

Thanks to generous fundraising events, such as an annual golf challenge, local dentists volunteer their time to deliver extractions, fillings, and cleanings—sometimes even lifesaving care. “A dental infection can escalate quickly and become life-threatening,” warns Stroud. “We must address this issue; lives depend on it.”

Sharon D’Costa, the foundation’s fund development and program director, shares the inspiring news: nearly 73,000 patients have benefited from their outreach so far. But they’re not stopping there. “We’re actively working with community colleges to provide scholarships for students in dental programs and incentivizing faculty to ensure quality education for future dental professionals,” she states.

The foundation also awards grants to enhance public health efforts aimed at improving dental care access. While mobilizing volunteers and securing funding can be tough, strong community partnerships are key to amplifying their impact. Join us in supporting this critical cause and making a difference!

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A startling new report reveals that New York hospitals are facing an alarming financial crisis, with many projecting an operating budget margin of just 0.0%. Despite a slight improvement, hospital administrators are voicing concerns that these numbers are far from enough to maintain quality patient care.

Bea Grause, president of the Healthcare Association of New York State, emphasizes that government reimbursements simply do not keep pace with the rising costs of healthcare. “These reimbursements are fixed and growing only slightly, while our expenses are skyrocketing,” she says. It’s a troubling trend that jeopardizes the stability of our healthcare system.

In addition, staffing shortages are adding to the burden. Labor costs have soared over 36% since 2019, and while there’s been a recent decline in contract labor expenses, they remain double what they were just a few years ago. “Without enough staff, we can’t provide necessary services,” Grause notes, highlighting the complexity of hospital operations.

Insurer demands are further squeezing operating margins. Some hospitals anticipate a revenue reduction of 5% or more due to insurer actions, translating into a staggering $1.3 billion in potential losses. It’s clear that urgent action is needed to stabilize our hospitals and ensure they can continue to serve the communities that depend on them.

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Access to affordable medications is a lifeline for many low-income families in rural Tennessee, but there’s growing concern about potential cuts to a vital program that helps keep drug costs down.

The 340B program allows community health centers to purchase outpatient medications at discounted rates, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations can access the treatments they need. Emily Waitt Hise, policy and advocacy manager for the Tennessee Primary Care Association, underscores the importance of this program: “It provides essential savings that allow health centers to reinvest in patient care across multiple disciplines.”

Laura Harris, CEO of Chota Community Health Services, shares real-life examples of the program’s impact: “One patient saved hundreds on a medication that was initially going to cost them $500; with the program, they paid only $50. That’s life-changing.” However, challenges remain, particularly with restrictions that force patients to visit multiple pharmacies for their prescriptions.

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Attention Ohioans! You have until January 15 to secure your health insurance coverage during the open enrollment period. Don’t miss out!

Programs like Get Covered Ohio are ready to assist you in navigating your options through HealthCare.gov or applying for Medicaid. Grace Wagner, director of health initiatives for the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, assures that their certified navigators provide free, unbiased guidance to help you find the coverage that fits your needs.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone looking to reassess your options, Wagner stresses the importance of annual reviews. “Changes in your life or updates to your coverage can lead to better options,” she explains. Affordable health insurance can make all the difference, lowering preventive care costs and helping manage chronic conditions.

Thanks to over $2.5 million in federal funding, the program is fully equipped to help Ohioans find their way to free health care coverage. Remember, the views expressed do not reflect those of the federal government, but they are vital for our community health.

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