The Central Washington Oral Health Foundation is bringing its free dental clinic back to Yakima Valley this July. This event will be held at the Yakama Nation Community Center from July 11 to 13, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s open to everyone who needs dental care—children and adults alike.
Mary Anne Walker, the director of the foundation, highlights a significant need for dental services in the area. “There’s a big lack of service for dental care in our county,” she said.
Patients can receive various services, including fillings, extractions, and teeth cleanings. Besides dental care, they’ll also offer haircuts, showers, and blood pressure checks. Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Local dentists, University of Washington dental students, and faculty volunteer their time for this initiative. It’s a community effort, with support also coming from Yakama Nation Behavioral Health, which will offer resources for those battling addiction.
Last year, the clinic treated 267 people, but about 100 individuals had to be turned away due to high demand. Many people even lined up as early as 7 a.m. hoping to get a spot.
The foundation has been active in Yakima County since 1999 and also oversees the Access to Baby & Child Dentistry program, connecting low-income families with essential dental care for their young children.
The need for dental care, particularly in underserved communities, has grown significantly. A recent report showed that nearly 74 million Americans lack access to adequate dental services. This clinic aims to address some of that gap.
Walker mentioned that the costs of running the clinic this year rely heavily on personal funding, totaling over $10,000. The future of the clinic remains uncertain after this year.
For those interested in more details, they can reach out to Walker at 509-945-6695.
Engaging in community health initiatives like this demonstrates how essential local support is for addressing public health needs. Small efforts can make a significant impact.
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