...Continued


Oral health is a critical, yet often overlooked aspect of health care. The Surgeon General has declared an oral health-care crisis in the United States, as there are over 51 million hours of lost school time each year. According to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, children ages 2-11 in families with incomes under $18,000 are nearly twice as likely to experience tooth decay as children in families with twice the income, and many children served by BGCMHC fall into this category.

April Haynes, Director of MACF, said “The community foundation is excited to bring this program to reality, and we look forward to the many benefits that proper oral health-care will bring to local youth. We are delighted to partner with the Boys & Girls Club and to help them carry out their excellent work in our community, and we are also appreciative of the partnership that Dr. Crabtree and his staff are providing from the Dental Clinic.”