Dental foundation seeks support from community

he Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation is asking the Martinsville-Henry County community for financial support again this year.

The Foundation operates the Community Dental Clinic in uptown Martinsville to provide dental care for those who cannot afford it, according to a release. In nine years, the Foundation has provided more than $7 million of care to unemployed or insured adults and children through 31,600 patient visits, the release stated.

In its just published "Report to the Community," the Foundation said there were 4,160 patient visits during the year ending June 30 whose care was valued at $847,270. Fees from patients and Medicaid totaled only $169,348.

"We serve the community, and it is only through the financial support of the community, that the Clinic can remain open," Dr. Mark Crabtree, president of the Foundation, said in the release. "Grants from foundation and organizations are essential for our survival," said Crabtree, "as so are donations from individuals, businesses and governments.

"Our mission is to improve the oral health of the community," Crabtree said in the release. "The Clinic is efficient and keeps expenses low with only four full- and one part-time employee. "Last year for every private dollar donated to the Foundation, $3.01 of dental care was provided to those in need."

"As individuals and businesses plan their year-end giving, I hope they will consider donating to the Foundation," said Crabtree. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization.

The Harvest Foundation has been the financial partner of the Foundation from its opening nine years ago. This year the Foundation provided a significant three year grant. The Women in Philanthropy Fund of the Martinsville Area Community Foundation made a critical grant in 2014.

The "Report to the Community" is being mailed to donors. Anyone interested in receiving a copy should contact the Foundation at 276 632-7727.

In addition to Crabtree, the Board of Directors includes Dr. Edward "Chopper" Snyder, Dr. Paul Eason, Ann Huffman, Gene Teague, the Rev. Ron Mateer and Lisa Fultz.

Source: http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/news/dental-foundation-seeks-support-from-community/article_ac2d951e-a216-11e5-93f8-1bd15f903cd2.html

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