Local Residents Utilizing Dental Vouchers

Affordable dental care was one of the items listed as a need in the last Community Health Needs Assessment in the Effingham area.

The Alliance for a Healthier Effingham County heard Monday that a dental voucher program begun through St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Catholic Charities, and local dentists is helping to address that need.

15 households utilized more than $3,106 in vouchers for dental services during June. To date, more than 50 vouchers have been distributed. 41 of those have assisted Effingham County residents, 10 others from area counties.

Health Alliance members also heard that a heroin task force is exploring ways to get the message out against the use of addictive drugs. The first meeting was held at the end of May, and the second meeting occurred last week. Those attending the meetings have included law enforcement personnel, educators and health care professionals. A variety of options were discussed to get the word out. 

Terriann Tharp of the Health Alliance said law enforcement personnel indicated that there is a transition underway from heroin to crystal meth as being the "drug of choice". Abuse of prescription drugs, even the overuse of energy drinks by young athletes were all mentioned as matters of concern.

Public service campaigns are being considered, along with having Drug Court graduates speak with school students about the effects of drug abuse.

Tharp also told Health Alliance members that a new Community Health Needs Assessment is due for 2015. Focus groups will be formed by later this fall to begin the assessment process. St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital will again gather the information.