Foundation effort targets dental disease among needy
Wild Rivers Community Foundation has spearheaded an effort to bring resources and awareness to the issue of dental disease on the Wild Rivers Coast.
"Wild Rivers Smiles!" was initiated by the foundation board, which recognized the need after consulting with the Community Assistance Network (CAN) and saw that this was a chance to convene partners to enhance community health," said Doug Morgan, executive director of CAN.
Wild Rivers Smiles! is distributing oral health supplies and information, raising funds to use for education, prevention and treatment, and bringing together stakeholders to develop solutions.
Over the past two months, dental kits including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss have been added to the food boxes distributed by CAN. Adult and child kits are being distributed and the children's kits include an animal character toothbrush and toothbrush cover, kids' toothpaste, floss, timer and disclosing tablets.