Health Department Receives Oral Health Grant

The Effingham County Health Department (ECHD) recently received a $3,500 grant from the Illinois State Dental Society Foundation (ISDSF) to support its oral health education services in the community. The ISDSF distributes community grants each year to applicants residing in Illinois, who offer services and projects that can benefit people in a community.

This year, $50,000 in grant monies were awarded to 12 organizations for projects designed to provide access to dental care and increase oral health awareness and education.

“The Effingham County Health Department has recently expanded its services to offer public health dental hygienist clinics for qualifying adults, such as those with Medicaid or those with no insurance who live 300% below the federal poverty level,” said Jeff Workman, ECHD Administrator. “This grant money will allow us to support that work by sending our Community Health Worker to promote good oral hygiene at food pantries, free laundry days, and community events.”

The next Dental Cleanings and Fluoride Treatments Clinic for Adults is on Monday, November 4.

To qualify, you MUST BE:

• Resident of Effingham County

•Age 20 or over

• Medicaid or No Insurance

• Income Eligible

• AND have not had a dental exam in the past year.

To see if you qualify and to schedule, call ECHD at 217-342-9237 and ask for Lyndsey; paperwork will need to be completed by phone or in person prior to your visit.