WHEELING — Last year, Wheeling Health Right received over $36,000 from the Ohio County Commission to fund a mobile health care unit aimed at providing services directly to communities. Now, the clinic is looking to shift some of that funding to expand its dental programs.
Following a grant approved in December 2024, which helped the clinic increase its mobile unit’s service days, new director Anne Ricci highlighted the need for this reallocation. “The economic landscape has changed. We want to focus on expanding our dental services,” she said.
Ricci noted that Health Right recently secured funds from an anonymous donor, specifically for the mobile unit. Additionally, West Virginia is allocating more funding for free clinics with mobile units, thanks to Governor Patrick Morrisey’s support.
According to Ricci, integrating dental care into Health Right’s offerings is crucial. “It’s more than just about teeth. It’s about overall health. Treating dental issues early can prevent bigger health problems later,” she explained.
Success stories underscore this point. One patient faced severe dental pain and was referred to another clinic, where doctors discovered life-threatening issues like COPD and liver cirrhosis. Thanks to timely intervention, he is now on the path to a liver transplant.
Health Right serves around 130 dental patients in Ohio County. Many require multiple visits for treatment. “Dental care is a critical entry point for those without insurance,” Ricci added.
Commission President Zach Abraham expressed support for the initial mobile unit grant, focusing on community accessibility. He inquired if similar outreach could be done for dental care. Ricci responded that West Virginia University dental students will provide treatments in the community as part of the program.
The reallocated funds would also assist with equipment needs and denture costs. While Medicaid has increased reimbursement for dentures, uninsured patients still bear some costs, which can be a burden.
The Ohio County Commission plans to review this funding request during their meeting on December 2, as they consider how best to support local health initiatives focused on comprehensive care.
For more insights into the importance of dental health, see the CDC’s findings on health and dental care accessibility.
